A BAKERY firm has announced a multi million pound expansion deal which will mean more jobs for Preston.

And managers of the town's St George's shopping centre are looking forward to a bumper business Christmas with record high occupancy rates.

Bakery wholesaler Bako North Western Ltd, based on the Roman Way Industrial Estate in Ribbleton, Preston, has bought Merseyside firm Cox Radcliffe, in a deal that cost £3 million but should bring Bako an extra £32 million a year.

Alan Williams, Bako North Western managing director, said: "The move will bring a number of significant benefits to all our customers. The enhanced buying power resulting from the growth in our customer base will enable us to pass on savings to our customers, many of whom are also shareholders."

From humble beginnings 40 years ago, on a site in Preston's New Hall Lane, Bako have now become the country's largest individual bakery wholesaler.

Bako, part of a national organisation, now has plans in the pipeline to expand even further, building new facilities next year, and creating new jobs.

Alan Williams said: "Bako North Western is poised for further development. We anticipate this current expansion and future plans, including the purchase of the remaining freehold land on the Roman Way estate, and the construction of a new £1.2 million cold store facility in May 2002, will undoubtedly lead to an increase in our workforce, who are all local people."

He added: "Our development aims support our dedication to providing our customers with the best products and the highest levels of service in today's market."

Meanwhile St George's Shopping Centre in Preston is looking forward to a busy Christmas, with its highest number of trading shops since a £23 million overhaul a year ago.

Carol Lowde, manager of the centre, said: "It is excellent news for the centre, and for Preston, that we have seen an impressive number of new shops opening which has brought our occupancy levels to the highest we have seen since the refurbishment ended."

Around ninety per cent of the centre's shops are now let, with more on the way.

Among the new shops in the centre is Republic clothing store, winner of the FHM Menswear Denim Retailer of the Year 2001 award.

Republic opened around two weeks ago, creating 20 new jobs.