Bakery retailer Greggs has announced it is to create 6,000 jobs through the opening of 600 stores.

In an interim management statement Greggs said that it intends to open 50-60 (net) new shops in 2010 and from 2011 onwards at least 70 a year.

The statement adds: “We see opportunities for expansion across the UK but particularly in areas where we are currently under-represented or have no presence at all. Southern England (particularly the South West), the East Midlands, North East Scotland, North West England and North Wales are good examples of areas with further potential for us.

“We also see the continued opportunity to expand into locations where consumers work and travel such as transport hubs and industrial and retail parks, in addition to our more traditional presence on high streets.”