CELEBRITY chef Raymond Blanc plans to open a French patisserie almost directly opposite a 69-year-old family bakery in Beaconsfield.

Jungs, on The Broadway, Penn Road, opened in 1942 and shoppers said they would be keen to support the business were Maison Blanc, which has a chain of shops in the south east, given permission to open in the old Martin's newsagent.

A Seer Green resident, who asked not to be named, said: “People are very fond of Jungs and Maison Blanc would obviously be in direct competition with them.

“It would be very sad if Jungs started to struggle and I would want to give them all the help I could.”

Jungs first opened in 1941 and prides itself on being a continental bakery and patisserie. It also has a cafe and bar and opened a second shop in Gerrards Cross in 2006.

Pensioner Michael Heath, another regular customer, said: “I would be very sad if Jungs closed. If it needed support then I'd support it.”

Maison Blanc sells specialty breads as well as serving coffee and French cakes. It has applied to South Bucks District Council for planning permission for the store.

A spokesman for Maison Blanc said: "We have already received some good support from the local community who are welcoming an asset to the High Street.

“An increase in footfall can only be a good thing for all the surrounding businesses."

“Poundland was the alternative applicant for the site and as a destination point for all the family, we hope Maison Blanc will only benefit the area and draw more people into the centre.”

Another Beaconsfield shopper said “competition is always a good thing” adding “people in Beaconsfield are very loyal so Jungs will be fine.”

Richard Mathea, Jungs managing director, said: "The arrival of a well-known brand such as Maison Blanc will hopefully bring more people to this neck of the woods.

"We are halfway through a major refurbishment ourselves at our flagship bakery-café on the Broadway.

"With our patisserie school also starting up soon – which is totally unique in the area – we are very excited about Jung’s future in Beaconsfield and beyond."