“The web resource lists turkey farmers who will be able to supply the centrepiece of your Christmas meal and gives useful cookery tips,” says NFU South East poultry adviser James Mulleneux. “It aims to raise awareness of the rigorous standards in UK turkey production, much of which is free range. Shoppers are encouraged to cut food miles and buy a home-produced turkey this Christmas either direct from a farm or via a local butcher.”

A choice of two ‘gobble gobble’ ring-tones can be downloaded from the website - its star is Ted Turkey who urges people to ‘get the facts on UK turkeys’. There is a competition to win a week-long family holiday on a farm or the chance to claim one of ten farm-fresh turkeys worth £65. Consumers can also browse through a wealth of information on cooking with turkey and the nutritional value of turkey.

Ten million turkeys are eaten every Christmas with imported birds accounting for about one third of those consumed over the festive period. More than one million birds are reared traditionally on UK farms in open sided pole-barns, usually with access to open fields or orchards during the daytime.

Mr Mulleneux explains: “More and more people are recognising the importance of welfare, quality and taste when choosing their Christmas turkey.”

He adds: “Your local turkey producer will be able to reassure you of the benefits of buying a farm-fresh bird that has been carefully reared and hand prepared. By using the information on www.ukturkeys.co.uk you can make a more informed choice this Christmas and find a fresh turkey from a nearby source.”

The website will undoubtedly help discerning consumers to find a quality bird - a UK farm-fresh turkey has a superior flavour to frozen birds usually sold in supermarkets.

For details/to interview a turkey producer call NFU SE PR Officer Isobel Bretherton tel: 01730 408002. High resolution images of handsome free-range bronze turkeys are available - email [email protected]

ThePoultrySite News Desk