BAKERS Oven has teamed up with a high-tech company to develop a computer system that will give customers information about shopping in their local High Street.

Bakers Oven, owned by Greggs, has worked with Touchbase UK to create a touch screen system.

The Tyneside-based bakers, is the first retailer in the country to pilot such a system, which will provide touchscreen terminals at every table. As customers sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee and a sandwich, they can find out about unique special offers from selected High Street retailers, opening times and other events happening in their local shopping area.

"We are a forward-looking company," commented Tony Barcroft, Bakers Oven's group general manager.

He added: "The Touchbase concept is a real breakthrough because it opens up a whole new channel of communication for us with our customers.

"The beauty of it is that it supports and strengthens the High Street, rather than killing it off, as Internet shopping threatens to do. Our system has all the benefits of the Internet with all the practicalities of a closed system. Everyone wins by keeping customers in the neighbourhood and in their own networks."

The objective is to increase traffic, loyalty, sales and ultimately market share.

Developed by entrepreneurs George Kinghorn and Jim Lawler, Touchbase is a PC-driven interactive touchscreen-based service.

The pilot launch, in four key sites around the country, will take place in the latter part of the year, with a roll out to all sites in 2001.