IT is a time of year which has most turkeys trembling with fear, but Clever Trevor's remarkable talent has saved him from a festive fate.

While most of his counterparts are doomed to end up stuffed with sage and onion at the centre of a lavish dinner table, death-defying Trevor's astonishing circus-style act has made him something of a celebrity.

Weather permitting, the 18-month-old Bourbon Red can often be seen walking a precarious farmyard tightrope with all the skill and grace of an Olympic gymnast.

With his distinctive square feathers stretched out wide, he negotiates the high altitude challenge with the greatest of ease, before revealing his coup de grace.

Trevor's daredevil streak shines through as he leaps fearlessly through a hoop of fire to complete his party piece.

It is a routine which has prompted agricultural show organisers across the region to plead for Trevor to make a guest appearance - but owner Colin Newlove is not letting the adulation go to the bird's head just yet.

Mr Newlove, who farms at Low Marishes, near Malton, North Yorkshire, has been training Trevor for the past two months and believes he has uncovered a star.

"He absolutely loves it - he took to it brilliantly," he said. "He's wanted at shows, but quite honestly he doesn't know enough at this stage and I'm not sure how he'd react with a lot of people around."

Trevor is not the first creature to have been taken under Mr Newlove's wing and trained in the art of unusual animal antics.

Mr Newlove has ridden Ayrshire bulls at local shows, and once discovered a horse which would fetch sticks.

"I have been training animals all my life. At first I was just messing about, wondering what Trevor could do," said Mr Newlove.

While it remains unclear where his talent may take him, as he dwells in his own private residence on the farm, Trevor should consider himself fortunate.

"He has a brighter future than others of his kind at this time of year, he will not finish up on a Christmas dinner table, that's for sure," said Mr Newlove. "He's lucky he can do what he can."