IT caused a great deal of excitement on social media when we reported it was being trialled...and now extended breakfast hours is finally edging closer.

McDonald's hopes to cash in on the demand for breakfasts on the go by extending the hours its serves egg McMuffins and hash browns in a new trial.

The fast food chain is expanding a previous trial to serve its breakfast menu until 11am, extended from 10.30am, at 120 sites across the South East.

McDonald's said its breakfast menu has continued to surge in popularity and its original trial at just seven restaurants was 'hugely successfully'.

It confirmed the plans as it said that demand had surged for its healthier options, particularly salads, during the past three months.

Sales of main meal and side salads increased by 55% as the company said its 'better tasting products' struck the right notes with hungry customers.

It also hailed the success of other new items across its menu, including the hot Cajun chicken wrap and an 'improved' bacon roll.

The company's UK chief executive, Paul Pomroy, said the launch of these products in June helped McDonald's to deliver 'another strong quarter of growth'.