IT'S name is now a familiar sight on the high street as the nation's leading bakery chain.

But the foundations of Greggs' empire were set amid more humble beginnings in the 1930s, when John Robson Gregg sold eggs and yeast from his bike in Newcastle.

The firm now serves more than one million customers every day, employing more than 20,000 people, with about 1,600 shops across the UK.

But, according to Ian Gregg, it's former managing director, the reason for the successful seismic shift from local trader to national bakery leader comes back to the same old-fashioned values of providing affordable quality food, while ensuring the customer comes first.

In his new book, titled; Bread: The Story of Greggs, the company's rise is laid out in great detail, from the days of selling pies from a van to miners' wives, through the Second World War and two recessions, to becoming a public company with its own independent charity.

Mr Gregg says: “Businesses have grown larger and more complex and the men who run them are paid millions, creating a culture of smash-and-grab consumerism and brand worship that will destroy the planet during this century.

“All this is in stark contrast to what Greggs is about; simple, old-fashioned values that reflect roots and family traditions; the production of great-tasting, good-value products and treating people fairly.”

To win a copy of the book, tell us: What did John Robson Gregg sell from his bike?

Send your answer, together with full contact details to echobusiness@nne.co.uk or to Greggs Competition, Business, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF.

The closing date is May 30 and usual Newsquest competition rules apply.