Turkey Hotline Brings Christmas Cheer

The NFU's turkey hotline, launched just three weeks ago, has already
"gobbled up" over 450 calls from shoppers, generating £18,000 worth of sales
for farmers.

The hotline has been inundated with calls from shoppers preparing for their
Christmas feast with around 500 birds sold so far.

And the number of farmers who are now supplying the line has jumped to 200
since its launch, after word got around of its popularity.

NFU Turkey Committee Chairman Mike Bailey said: "The hotline is a great
marketing tool for our members as it offers a direct line to consumers,
cutting out the middleman and connecting shoppers to their local farms.

"Shoppers can buy a high quality fresh, value for money British turkey and
know that they will be supporting their local rural economies at the same
time. So everyone is a winner.

"We expect the number of calls to the hotline to continue rising as
Christmas gets closer and more people prepare for their festive
celebrations. We have been extremely pleased by its success so far."

The hotline number is 0870 8481430 and will operate from 8am to 6pm Monday
to Friday, until Christmas Eve. Calls will be charged at the national rate.