Turkeys rarely vote for Christmas but a turkey producer is to vote on the finest in the country.

Seasonal poultry specialist Sally Lee of Childer Thornton-based Traditional Wirral Turkeys has been selected to judge the nation’s finest turkeys at the English Winter Fair livestock showcase taking place in Stafford this weekend.

Sally will be stepping into the national spotlight as turkey judge at the event, said to be the country’s leading winter livestock show.

Supplying 1,200 festive birds to private farm-gate buyers, caterers and a retail butcher, Sally’s main job is selling young turkey poults for breeder Hockenhull Turkeys to specialist finishers throughout the UK for the Christmas trade.

“To get the best Christmas bird we begin placing slow maturing traditional turkey poults on farm for rearing from June onwards,” she explained.

“For me a traditional breed gives more flavour and is better for the consumer being shorter in the leg to most commercial breeds.”

Ray Nield, show chairman, said Sally’s experience reinforced the reputation of traditional turkey producers from across the region.

“We’re delighted Sally has agreed to judge at this year’s event as her experience and keen eye will help ensure we can maintain the high standard of championships,” said Mr Nield.

The event takes place at the Staffs County Showground within easy reach of J14 of the M6.