BUTCHERS have saved two lucky turkeys from the Christmas dinner table. The birds were abandoned at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton and their future was uncertain. But now they are assured of a longer life than many of their sisters and br

BUTCHERS have saved two lucky turkeys from the Christmas dinner table.

The birds were abandoned at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton and their future was uncertain.

But now they are assured of a longer life than many of their sisters and brothers can expect this month.

That is thanks to two local residents - Heidi and Peter Butcher - who have taken the turkeys under their wing and given them a secure home alongside their menagerie of pets.

Staff at Blue Cross were baffled when the turkeys - nicknamed Bernadette and Matthew - were found flapping around inside the centre's gates.

The charity's adoption centre only has facilities to take in cats, dogs and other small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, so staff had to improvise and provide temporary accommodation for the large birds until Mr and Mrs Butcher could collect them.

Lynda Campbell, Blue Cross centre manager at Kimpton, said: "When the turkeys were dumped on our doorstep we had no idea they'd be rescued by two Butchers!

"I'm glad The Blue Cross could help in this unusual case, but we'd urge people to speak to us if they're struggling to cope with an animal. We'll never judge someone for taking the responsible decision of handing in their pet, and it's much better than abandoning them."

Mrs Butcher said: "My husband and I have kept turkeys before so we were more than happy to help the Blue Cross. They were a little nervous at first but have settled in now. They are very entertaining with their own individual personalities - their favourite game is playing football with a cabbage!"

So far this year Blue Cross has taken in over 6,000 animals across its 11 animal adoption centres across the UK. The charity receives no government funding and is always grateful for public donations.