Bakers Greggs wins freedom of city of Newcastle

The firm was founded by John Gregg in the 1930s

Tyneside-based bakery firm Greggs is being awarded the honorary freedom of the city of Newcastle.

The company, which was founded in Newcastle in the 1930s, is being recognised for its contribution to the region's economy and its charity work.

A ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre will see the firm join the likes of Newcastle United and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Greggs, famed for its sausage rolls, serves five million customers a week.

In 1987 the company started supporting local communities after Ian Gregg established the Greggs Trust, now the Greggs Foundation, and this has gone on to give more than £10m to good causes across the country.

More than £3m has been raised for children's cancer research through the company's sponsorship of the North East Children's Cancer Run.

'North East values'

Former chief executive Sir Michael Darrington also introduced Greggs Breakfast Clubs, which provide breakfasts for 6,000 primary school children.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Mike Cookson, said: "Greggs continues to be a fantastic asset for the whole region and their generosity has helped so many good causes here and around the country.

"I would like to congratulate everyone at the company on receiving this award, which not only reflects the important contribution they have made to charity but also celebrates their commercial success."

Kennedy McMeikan, Greggs current chief executive, said: "We are all proud to be part of a business that has never lost its North East values of caring about people, taking pride in our products, working hard and always trying to enjoy what we do."

The freedom of Newcastle has also been awarded to the late Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Nelson Mandela.