A NORTH-EAST baker aims to build on its high street supremacy by dominating petrol forecourts.

Greggs is expanding further into roadside bakeries to satisfy drivers’ hunger pangs for sausage rolls and pies.

The Newcastle-based firm has secured a deal with forecourt operator Euro Garages to take its goods into 27 sites.

Bosses say refurbishment work is being carried out on shops now, with Greggs’ stores expected to open before Christmas.

Greggs already has outlets in 30 Euro Garages bases, and has similar deals with Moto and Applegreen, with the latter supporting a trial venture into Northern Ireland.

Roger Whiteside, chief executive, said its high street reign, which sees it operate 1,668 stores, has given it the foundations and standing it needs to target trade elsewhere.

He said Euro Garages fits its brief to expand into new territory precisely, with the company running about 180 forecourts, mainly in the North-West and the Midlands.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Whiteside said: “We have got a good base with the franchises and have about 80 in total.

“We have Euro Garages and Moto, but there is still room for growth.

“We have got the high streets covered, but we need more in the areas away from that.

“With Euro Garages and Moto, people can fill up the car and enjoy food-on-the-go at the same time.”

Earlier this year, Greggs revealed its partnership with Applegreen, which allowed the company to open a trial site on the M2, in Belfast.

Mr Whiteside, who was previously boss at Marks and Spencer's food halls, said the experiment was proving a success, and said it will be supplemented a £13m investment in a distribution depot in Enfield, North London, to extend its presence in the South-East.

He added: “The Belfast site has gotten off to a flying start, and Northern Ireland is a very crucial market for us.

“But we’re also really excited about Enfield and what we can do in the south of England.

“It will unlock growth for us and we expect it to be brought into use in the second half of 2016.”

Mr Whiteside was talking after Greggs revealed its trading update for the 13 weeks to October 3, which saw total sales grow five per cent and lift 5.1 per cent for the year-to-date.

He said its coffee and Balanced Choice range, which includes salads and fruit pots and accounts for about £1m of sales a week, were key to the success.

He added: “We have traded well and are now about to enter our most important season (with Christmas coming up).

“Our product initiatives, combined with our great value, continue to drive increased customer visits.”

Greggs was founded in the 1930s, when John Robson Gregg sold eggs and yeast from his bicycle.

Earlier this year, the company confirmed it wanted to build its store empire to 2,000 to capitalise on stronger sales.