Greg's backing Greggs!

1.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th Aug 2009

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Newcastle East Greg Stone has hailed the announcement that Newcastle City Council is to honour local bakers Greggs with the Freedom of the City.

The well-known business becomes the latest local company to be honoured in this way, following fellow Newcastle East company Ringtons Tea, as well as the Sage Group and of course Newcastle United FC.

The Jesmond-based company has more than 1400 shops across the UK and is a major local employer, as well as a major contributor to local charities and medical research through its Greggs Foundation.

Greg said "Greggs are a part of every High Street in the North East and beyond and as the nearest sandwich shop to my office they have certainly kept me fed on many occasions! I am delighted that the city council is recognising them in this way and it is a deserved tribute not just to their commercial success but their support for local initiatives like the Childrens Cancer Run and Breakfast Clubs for primary school kids"