Sales of high street baker Greggs have not been hampered by the unusually cold and grim weather, and the company has managed to post a successful and healthy rise in sales during the run- up to Christmas.

For the four weeks up-to Boxing Day, the baker reported a 1.1% increase in like-for-like sales. Analysts were concerned that the cold, biting wind and icy pavements might hurt the company's sales, but the firm actually managed to lure in an extra 250,000 customers across its 1,400 outlets during the Christmas week, and it was then that its sales recorded a 4.4% increase.

As reported by Greggs, the baker had actually managed to sell 10% more savory products and as many as 2 million Christmas festive bakes over December, which is a rise of 23%. Also, over a million mince pies were sold every week during the period.

however, Chief Executive Ken McMeikan has said that like other business, Greggs has been hit by the unfavorable weather conditions.

"The severe winter weather across the country has naturally brought particular challenges at the beginning of 2010. We are grateful for the enormous determination shown by our staff to maintain our service to customers under these testing conditions", he said.