Bakery chain Greggs is celebrating a “very strong” finish to the financial year after trade over the Christmas period soared.

The chain added that full-year results were likely to be above expectations after total sales rose 5.5% and like-for-like sales rose 4.5% in the 53 weeks ended January 3rd. Meanwhile, December’s own-shop like-for-like sales were up 8.2%.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside commented: "Since our last update on 15 December we have experienced a very strong level of trade through the Christmas and New Year period.  Customers have clearly responded to the improvements in our product offer and service, designed to meet the needs of the food-on-the-go consumer, during this busy period.

"This has been a year in which we have made good progress with our strategic plans and seen a welcome improvement in financial performance. We remain clear on our priorities and are confident that we can make further progress in the year ahead."

Greggs added that conditions for the first half of 2015 look “encouraging” and said: “In the year ahead we will continue to implement our plan to reshape the business to compete more effectively in the food-on-the-go market and create a strong platform for sustainable long term growth.”