FOUR turkeys saved from being gobbled up as festive fare enjoyed Christmas feasting on melon at an animal refuge near Chepstow. 

One of them, Tina, has even become a social media star, where her chatty clucking and warbling has proved a big hit attracting hundreds of likes.

Tina and her friends were rescued last year from a Monmouthshire farm, and instead of gracing the Christmas table, the birds found themselves at the Dean Farm Trust’s Mathern refuge, where they are free to roam and forage. 

And she now spends her life catching a ride on the backs of the rescue pigs and laying her eggs in the hedgerows during the summer months.

Mary Frankland, founder of the 62-acre farm, said: “Tina is the star of the rescue centre, is very sociable and loves to sing.

“People never really come into contact with turkeys except once a year when they are on their dinner plate.

“But each time we have an open day, children and adults are mesmerised by them. 

“They are big, beautiful birds and very intelligent and sociable. Like dogs, they create lasting social bonds with both people and animals. 

“They love to be stroked and cuddled and are a real treat to have around.”

To catch up with Tina and her chums, see deanfarmtrust.org.uk and ww.facebook.com/deanfarmtrust.org.uk