THE Midlands' leading sandwich retailer is opening its first shop in Evesham.

The new Bridge Street store will feature

self-select takeaway products as well as the over-the-counter baguettes, savouries and cakes for which Greggs is renowned.

Greggs has already opened four new shops this year. For the first time, the company has branched into Burton and Swadlincote, and it has strengthened its presence in Coventry and Wolverhampton.

A £2m investment programme is underway this year.

In 2001, the company invested more than £1.25m in 12 new shops - including one in Worcester - and created 150 jobs for the Midlands region.

"We are delighted to open our first shop in Evesham," said Alan Dick, managing director.

"Our aim is to improve our service to existing customers, attract new ones and ensure there is a Greggs shop in every major Midlands town."