Father and son Clive and Scott Wreathall, of Appledore Turkeys, with Major Tony Finch. Picture: Adam Fradgley/Exposure Photography

by Tricia Jamieson

Turkeys reared in Appledore will be tucked into by injured British soldiers this Christmas.

Clive Wreathall, of Priory Farm, is supporting the Nation Farmers Union's Turkeys for Troops campaign.

Farmers around the country are donating birds that will go to injured servicemen and women.

Mr Wreathall - whose 21-year-old son Scott is about to join the Army - said: "We are only too pleased to be supporting Turkeys for Troops, particularly as my eldest son 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, on behalf of every soldier under my command, to say thankyou to the NFU.

"The wounded, injured and sick of the unit are very pleased with this practical demonstration of support.

"It will provide happiness and comfort to each family during what will be a reflective and emotional time. Knowing that people are thinking of our injured troops at this time makes a real difference."

NFU president Peter Kendall thanked the turkey producers who have donated towards the campaign.

"There has been nothing but genuine goodwill behind the idea of Turkeys for Troops," he said.

Shoppers who want to find a turkey reared near them for this Christmas can log on to www.ukturkeys.co.uk, where they can search using their postcode.