TWENTY jobs are being created by a family food company with the opening of an outlet, and further expansion is being considered.

Bakery firm Milligans is setting up an outlet in Middlesbrough and is discussing opening other sites.

Operations manager Louise Milligan, the grand-daughter of founders Norman and Joan Milligan, said: "Once Middlesbrough is established, we shall look at other possible town centres on Teesside and perhaps consider spreading the Milligans name further into Northumberland, beyond our Cramlington business.

"If the sort of busy intersection sites suitable to our style of business turn up on the market, we shall certainly look at them."

The company, which has 400 staff, is particularly noted for its pasties.

Ms Milligan said: "Our previous opening, at Sunderland railway station in February, proved so successful at attracting the commuters and city-centre shoppers, that we have used it as a template for the Middlesbrough venture."