EAST Lancashire shoppers are to get a helping hand this year when it comes to buying their Christmas turkey.

The National Farmers Union today launched a hotline giving shoppers top tips on where to buy local fresh, turkey direct from the farm.

The hotline aims to cut out the hassle for shoppers by pointing them in the direction of the nearest farm through just one telephone call, and will run right up until Christmas Eve. More than 150 farms are taking part in the scheme nationwide.

The hotline number is 0870 848 1430 and will operate from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Calls will be charged at a national rate.