Turkey tycoon Matthews dies at 80

Turkey tycoon Bernard Matthews has died at the age of 80, his firm said.

The farmer and businessman made a multi-million pound fortune through his vast poultry company and is widely credited with bringing cheap turkey meat to the masses.

In a statement on his company’s website, chief executive Noel Bartram said: “It is with a great deal of personal sadness that I confirm Bernard Matthews passed away on the afternoon of the 25th November.

“I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family.”

The Bernard Matthews empire began with a humble £2.50 (€2.96) investment in 1950 with 12 turkey eggs and an incubator in the heart of Norfolk, England and grew into the biggest turkey processor in Europe.