MOST are not lucky enough to see Boxing Day let alone the new year.

But one plucky turkey has beaten the odds and lived to see another year after making a great escape in what could have been a scene from the movie Chicken Run.

And to this turkey’s delight she is now settling into her new surroundings at the Stubbington Ark, where she can rest easy until a new home is found for her.

As many of us were gobbling up the traditional Christmas bird at the dinner table, this daring turkey made her bid for freedom, determined she was not going to share the same fate.

No one is quite sure how Queenie, named by staff after actor Steve McQueen who starred in the movie The Great Escape, flew the nest, but the cold turkey was found running free in the Bordon area, near Alton, on Saturday.

Staff at the animal shelter thought they were in for another delicious treat when they received a call to say a turkey was being brought in, so were quite shocked when their so called ‘meal’ was in fact a live female turkey.

Queenie, who seems to be in good health and is the Ark’s first ever turkey resident, is now happily enjoying her prolonged life with the Ark’s other chickens and ducks, waiting to be re-homed.

Kate Jackson, an animal care assistant at the Ark, said: “It is a nice way for Queenie to start the new year, at least she will be able to live here until she is rehomed.

“In total we have just over 20 ducks, chickens and geese here at the Ark, so Queenie has also highlighted that we have a large variety of poultry looking for good homes.

“Anyone who is looking to rehome any of our poultry must have a large garden, hut and run. After Queenie has been here for seven days she can be adopted.”

● If you think you can provide a home, ring Vanessa on 01329 666916.