The NFU’s UK Turkeys website has teamed up with Connect Packaging and has launched its Turkeys for Troops campaign which, with the help of the Ministry of Defence, will feed scores of soldiers, past and present, for their Christmas day meal.

Farmers will be delivering their turkeys to Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, Headley Court in Surrey, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the Royal Star and Garter in Richmond, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea as well as units in Colchester and Edinburgh. It is expected that up to 1,200 dinners will be served as a result.

Kent-based turkey farmer Clive Wreathall, whose son Scott will be heading to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for training, is just one farmer who has thrown his support behind the campaign: “We are only too pleased to be supporting Turkeys for Troops, particularly as my eldest son, who is 21-years-old, is about to join the Army. Our Armed Services personnel deserve our full support.”

Lt Col Mel Pears, Commanding Officer of the 15x (NE) Personnel Recovery Unit in Catterick, said: “I would like to, on behalf of every soldier under my command, say thank you to the NFU. The wounded, injured and sick of the 15x (NE) PRU are very pleased with this practical demonstration of support, a gift of turkeys this Christmas.

“It will provide happiness and comfort to each family during what will be a reflective and emotional time. I would like to add my personal thanks to those involved with providing this gift - knowing that people are thinking of our injured troops at this time makes a real difference.”

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “We are extremely proud of the generosity shown by those turkey producers who have donated towards this campaign. From the farmers, to the Ministry of Defence and to our packaging partners, there has been nothing but genuine goodwill behind the idea of Turkeys for Troops. We sincerely hope they enjoy tucking into some really fantastic British produce for their Christmas meals.”

Connect Packaging managing director Robert Davidson said: “Connect Packaging has provided high quality packaging for UK turkey producers for many years and we are delighted to support the turkey industry’s Turkeys for Troops initiative. We are proud to be part of this campaign that will deliver the best British farm fresh turkeys to our wonderful soldiers.”

Shoppers who want to find a turkey reared near to them can logon to www.ukturkeys.co.uk, where they can search using their postcode and browse from more than 300 producers.

Buying a local bird supports your local farmer, supports the local economy and the countryside, and is just one example of how British farmers are helping to put food on plates this festive season.