A farm that has been providing its customers with Christmas turkeys for 65 years will no longer supply the festive food.

Owners at Partridge Farm in Sellindge, near Ashford, say the “job has become too stressful” and they are looking forward to having a more relaxing Christmas, for the first time in many decades.

Richard Price, who runs the farm with his brother Christopher, 57, told KentOnline his age was a “big reason for stopping the service”.

“I’m nearly 70 now and it is quite a stressful job,” he said.

“Unlike most things on the farm if we don't get something done we can sort it at a later date.

“With the turkey’s you have to get it all done in time for Christmas and the job has been stressing me out more than when I was younger.”

Partridge farm has been owned by the Price family since just after the Second World War and Richard says once he and his brother retire the farm will close.

The 68-year-old is now looking forward to his first Christmas since working on the farm where we will be able to spend more time with his family.

He added: “It's going to be a very different Christmas for me. It does seem quite eerily quiet here at the moment!

“I’ve not really known a proper Christmas because of all the work we have to do with the turkeys.

“I am looking forward to having more time with my family this year and beyond.”

Furthermore, Richard says the financial risks in providing the turkeys helped him make up his mind.

“Bird flu is more prevalent in the winter and you risk losing the whole flock if you get an outbreak,” he went on.

“This makes the whole process a big financial risk as well.”

Despite the annual service coming to an end, Richard confirmed all other work on the farm will “carry on as normal”.

Partridge Farm is now recommending its customers contact John Howe at Lotland Farm in Biddenden, for their turkeys.

Richard added: “Thank you for your custom over the years gone by and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024.”