Struggling turkey firm bought out

The company said it would close down three days before Christmas

Europe's biggest turkey producer is to take over a struggling rival and move into the organic market.

Bernard Matthews, based in Norwich, is to buy Cherryridge Poultry, which announced it was to fold by Christmas.

A spokeswoman said the plan was part of a "long-term strategy to move into organic production".

In September, an animal welfare group called for an inquiry into the poultry industry after two Bernard Matthews' workers were found mistreating birds.

Hillside Animal Sanctuary, which is based near Norwich, secretly filmed the worker playing "baseball" with live turkeys.

Cheap imports

Cherryridge, based near Cromer, said it would close down three days before Christmas with the loss of 75 jobs.

The Northrepps company has been trading since the 1950s and had become one of the poultry industry leaders.

Operations director Neil Roper said the competition from foreign exports grew too much to carry on.

The deal with Bernard Matthews will save 20 jobs.

"This new development marks Bernard Matthews' first foray into organic turkey farming and fast tracks its entry into the growing market," said a company spokeswoman.

She added: "Bernard Matthews will look to honour all existing Cherryridge trading arrangements."

A spokesman for Cherryridge said no deal had been finalised.

Bernard Matthews produces eight million turkeys every year in the UK rearing them on 54 farms throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.