Greggs Bakery Narrowboat

SOWERBY BRIDGE – A new floating Greggs bakery in Sowerby Bridge had an unexpected visitor early this morning, after a local man decided the quickest way to get his breakfast was to swim for it.

The surreal scene unfolded on the canal, where the popular bakery chain has launched a new concept store on a fully-fitted narrowboat. The vessel, complete with shelves of golden-brown pastries and a chilled drinks cabinet, was serving customers on the towpath when a man was spotted in the water, paddling directly towards the counter.

The man, who gave his name only as Barry, was seen hoisting himself up on the side of the boat to place his order, much to the astonishment of the staff member on board. "I was just out for my morning constitutional and the smell of a steak bake just hit me," Barry explained to onlookers after his purchase. "Seemed quicker than walking all the way round to the bridge, didn't it? It was a bit chilly, mind."

The "Greggs on the Go" boat appears to be a new trial by the company to serve canalside communities and towpath users.

The staff member on duty, who was initially taken aback, took the incident in her stride. "Well, that's a new one. We've had cyclists and joggers, but he's our first 'swim-thru' customer," she said with a laugh. "As long as his tenner was dry, I was happy to serve him. You can't stand between a man and his pasty." It is unclear if Greggs plans to install a dedicated swimmers' lane, but the incident has certainly caused a stir, proving that when the craving hits, some fans will stop at nothing to get their fix.