PASTRY lovers could soon have the best of both worlds - chefs are working on a recipe for slimline pasties.

North-East bakery chain Greggs is concocting a secret recipe for sausage rolls and pasties that will help battle the bulge.

With national waistlines - and the diet industry - expanding by the day, Greggs of Gosforth is seeking to slim down its traditional fare.

Northumbria University nutrition expert Dr Jane Varey calculated that a standard full-fat pasty contains 550 calories and 30g of fat, which is nearly half the recommended daily intake of 70g for women and a third of men's 90g.

But bosses at Greggs are confident they can whittle away 20 per cent of the fat and calories to produce a new slimline range.

Managing director Sir Michael Darrington said: "We are looking at ways of reducing fat in all our products."

He admitted the technology to make sausage rolls, pies and pasties more healthy but no less tasty was still being refined. He said: "We are still working on the details but are determined to give it a good go. If people eat 15 per cent less fat in their pies it can make quite a difference."