Turkey saved from chop by veggies

A turkey destined for the Christmas dinner table has been saved from certain death after he was won by two vegetarians in a mystery church raffle.

Bert the bird, escaped being the centre of a festive feast when Ray and Maura Stroud bought the winning ticket.

The strict veggies have not eaten meat for 30 years. They got a call to say their prize was a turkey and it was due to be slaughtered in a few days.

The shocked couple asked to have Bert alive, and found him a new home.

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"We then looked at our little semi and realised we had no where to keep him," said Mr Stroud, 73.

So Mr Stroud called an animal campaigns group in Bristol called Viva! and they agreed to take Bert in.

'Friendly and inquisitive'

The 6.8 kilo (15lb) turkey is now living at his new home with some rescued battery hens for company until a mate can be found for him.

"He's a very friendly chap and incredibly inquisitive... I'm really going to miss him," said Mr Stroud.