Baker Greggs said annual profits jumped 41% as fresh coffee and calorie-conscious sandwiches helped boost sales growth to an eight year high.

The group, which runs 1,650 shops, said pre-tax profit reached £58.3 million in the 53 weeks to January 3, as it refocused its menu and refitted outlets. Sales lifted 5.5% to £804 million.

It added that its 4.5% like-for-like sales growth over the period was its strongest increase since 2007 as it introduced new lines such as its steak and cheese roll.

The improvement follows a 2013 drive by chief executive Roger Whiteside to focus on the food-on-the-go market, which accounts for 75% of customer visits, rather than traditional take-home business.

The group added the new financial year has begun strongly with like-for-like sales up 6.3% in the eight weeks to February 28.

The business said last year it made £1 million of coffee sales a week in the period leading up to Christmas after improving its blend in February.