GREGGS has apologised to anyone offended by publicity for its first Advent calendar which shows a sausage roll in a manger instead of the baby Jesus.

The high street bakery chain – so popular in Swindon that at one point four stores could be found within 300m of each other – launched the calendar to allow enabling fans of its sweet and savoury treats to enjoy something different each day as they countdown to Christmas 2017.

Each door reveals a tear-off token that can be taken into Greggs’ shops and exchanged for items from the Christmas and wider menu, including the Festive Bake, flavoured lattes, sweet mince pie and a sausage roll.

On Christmas Eve, a £5 gift card sits behind door 24 – but some lucky customers will find a surprise £25 gift card.

A limited number of the calendars will go on sale in selected Greggs’ shops from Monday, November 20, until stocks last, priced at £24.

Among the publicity photos for the calendar are a Santa with pasty flakes on his beard, a Greggs shop in a snow globe and a steak bake on a festive table.

But the one that has caused the most concern is a sausage roll, lying in a manger in Bethlehem.

While the calendar has had a largely positive reaction, some people have been offended by the publicity surrounding it.

A spokeswoman for Greggs said: "We’re really sorry to have caused any offence, this was never our intention.”

Greggs say the calendar is worth between £35 and £60, and the vouchers can be redeemed in shops from December 1 up to and including Christmas Eve. Gift cards are valid for up to 12 months.