Turkeys in Kent who have been saved from the Christmas dinner table are part of an appeal urging people to ditch the traditional roast.

Silver, Dee Dee and Bramble Bill, who live at The Retreat Animal Rescue in High Halden, near Tenterden, are the faces of the Their Christmas Wish campaign, with the birds' wish for you to have "a compassionate Christmas".

The charity Animal Aid says that Silver's distinctive characteristics saved her from slaughter at a factory farm, because a worker responsible for de-beaking, which involves severing the beak off to prevent pecking, took pity on her.

Born with a facial deformity, the worker was struck by both Silver's appearance and character.

He turned his back on the farm, deciding to take Silver and 12 other birds to a rescue centre.

The Retreat hit the headlines when former worker Fredericka Vann attempted to buy a live turkey for her daughter's first birthday so she could save it from slaughter.

But a farmer refused, stating he "could not guarantee its welfare".

Founded 30 years ago, The Retreat has saved more than 20,000 abandoned, neglected or distressed animals.

It receives no external funding and has launched a £225k appeal to buy more land to expand, enlisting the support of Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan.

Animal rights activist Egan, who played the Marquess of Flintshire in the historic drama, is one of a number of celebrities to visit The Retreat, including vegan Hollywood actor Rooney Mara and Anton Du Beke, who filmed a vegan baking show for ITV's This Morning at the sanctuary in Cripple Hill in June.

The sanctuary rescued Dee Dee, who had been used for breeding until she was no longer considered profitable.

Usually turkeys live to around 10 years old but Dee Dee is now 12. Farmed turkeys live for between 12 and 26 weeks before slaughter.

Bramble Bill is also at The Retreat and described as the "friendliest turkey you will ever meet" who enjoys having his head scratched.

Animal Aid campaign manager, Tod Bradbury said that turkeys were "unique, intelligent, individuals" and said: "Christmas is often touted as the season of peace and good-will to all, and that should include animals.

"Anyone who has ever spent any time around these amazing creatures will confirm that turkeys are far from “bird-brained”; and above all they deserve to live free from harm and suffering."

He added: "We hope to show that going vegan, doesn’t mean going without.

"Christmas dinner is often said to be the best meal of the year and it has never been easier to create a delicious plant-based feast."

Read more:All the latest news from Tenterden

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