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It’s a story that left the country wondering: what exactly is Morrisons’ secret pie “agenda”?

Tony and Linda Gilkes’ crusade for early morning meat pies catapulted them to national attention.

Now, the inside story behind the scandal, dubbed ‘Piegate’, has been revealed - and the supermarket giant has made a shock U-turn.

In face of pastry demand - and online debate - Morrisons confirmed its Berwick Hills store will start baking earlier and pies will now be available from 7am.

“It was all worth it in the end,” said Tony, welcoming the back track. “It’s the right thing to stand up for what you believe in.”

The Thorntree couple’s early-morning struggle at the ‘Oven Fresh’ counter was read by hundreds of thousands of people across Britain and even attracted star-studded support from comedians Jason Manford and Bob Mortimer.

Tony had feared a secret Morrisons “agenda” was responsible after his wife was forced to wait until 9am for eight large sausage rolls and two steak bakes.

But crossed wires and confused messages appear to have caused Linda’s “ridiculous” 15-minute wait.

(Image: Keane Duncan)

“It has been a complete cock up. That’s basically it,” said Tony.

“Head office got a new time schedule. Everyone was told something different. It’s a mix-up. Plain and simple.”

The explanation was revealed after the couple were spotted by the store’s manager as they loaded shopping at the checkouts this morning.

Tony said: “We went over for the bread. We couldn’t get pies. There were no pies on this morning.

“As we went to the till, this manager came over with a bunch of flowers in his hand.

“I politely declined and gave them to the wife. He said we’re sorry and gave me a bag of pies.”

Elated by the result but still grappling with their overnight fame, Tony and Linda promised to expose “idiot” Facebook commentators.

“They hadn’t read the story. They didn’t understand. We weren’t eating them at that time,” said Tony.

“I have got all these comments and I am going to compile them into a book. Let people see how stupid people on Facebook really are.”

Morrisons told The Gazette it had stopped 7am bakes at the Middlesbrough store due to falling demand, but the chain has now relented.

A spokesman said: “After being reminded that we have some customers who really love pies at breakfast time, the team at the Middlesbrough store have decided that they will start baking pies earlier and they’ll be available at 7am.”