Bernard Matthews gives away turkeys to good causes

Hundreds of disadvantaged people will be tucking into a delicious turkey dinner this Christmas thanks to Bernard Matthews Farms which has set out to deliver around 100 turkeys to various good causes around the area.

The company is donating the turkeys to some of the most deserving charities and community groups in Norfolk and Suffolk including Quidenham Children's Hospice for their children's Christmas party and Norwich MIND for dinner at its residential centre.

MIND spokesman Nafaa Mehrez the gesture was really appreciated.

'As a charity we welcome all support from local business,' he said. 'I'm cooking Christmas dinner this year for the residents, so I'm really looking forward to getting the turkey in the oven and sitting down for a traditional Christmas lunch.'

Donations are also being made to The Bridge Drop-In Centre in Gorleston, which is mounting a Christmas dinner for visitors to the centre; St John's Housing in Lowestoft, which serves Christmas dinner at three different projects; St Martin's Housing Trust, which serves Christmas dinner at three separate care homes around Norwich; and Open Christmas, which serves dinner in Norwich and Great Yarmouth on Christmas Day for people who are homeless and alone over the festive period

Bernard Matthews Farms marketing director Matt Pullen said: 'Christmas is always a very busy period for us, but we try never to forget that there are plenty of people in our local community who are less fortunate, so we always try to bring some Christmas cheer by at least ensuring that there will be traditional Norfolk turkey on their table.

'We have identified some of the most deserving causes and, as a result, several hundred people will be enjoying the turkeys which we are giving away this Christmas. It is a real pleasure to be able to bring goodwill and happiness to people in our region, and we hope that everyone tucking into a Bernard Matthews Farms turkey this Christmas has a wonderful time.'