BAKERY chain Greggs has made its first move on to the petrol forecourt as it continues to target locations away from the high street.

The deal with Lancashire chain Euro Garages, which has 76 forecourts across the UK, has seen the first Greggs store open at the firm's newly developed site in Bury, with others set to follow.

The opening follows Greggs' recent expansion into industrial estates and retail parks in a drive to take the brand to where customers are.

Euro Garages, based in Darwen, was formed eight years ago by brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa with a single petrol station, is the UK's fastest growing forecourt operator and the second largest independent in the sector.

It has a turnover of £260m, employing around 500 people. It has grown by acquiring and redeveloping run-down petrol stations, partnering with brands such as Spar to offer convenience stores and Subway to provide fast food outlets.

Mike Kavanagh, retail development manager at Greggs, said: "If this move is as successful as we anticipate, we plan to extend the model to other regions." Tweet