AN Asian family are set to celebrate Christmas Day with a traditional roast turkey dinner and turkey biryani.

Muslim Fakir Sacha, owner of Sacha Mini Market and Post Office in Ballantrae Road, Shadsworth, has celebrated Christmas Day in this way for the past 10 years.

Fakir hasn't managed to put up Christmas decorations in his shop this year, but said he would not give up his family's tradition and have a fresh turkey delivered on Christmas Eve.

Fakir, 33, said: "We have had a turkey every year for the last 10 years, my dad loves it."

While most people take a day off work, Fakir opens his shop for five hours on Christmas Day.

He said: "I open the shop from 9am to 2pm. Whilst I'm working my wife, Mohsina, roasts half the turkey and makes biryani with the other half.

"After the meal we visit friends give out a few presents, then in the evening we visit our family or relatives come and visit us."

Fakir ensures his turkey is slaughtered according to his religious beliefs.

Fakir said: "The turkey must be halal. I don't celebrate Christmas in the religious sense because I am a Muslim but it is a nice feeling and good to experience other cultures. Most people are filled with Christmas cheer and it is a nice to join in.

"I will pass this on for the next generation to experience."