A 50kg guard dog is training his new puppy companion to help him protect a flock of Christmas turkeys.

Maremma sheepdog Bear, three, has spent the last all his life keeping a watchful eye over the 750 birds each year.

Maremmas are a flock guardian breed which means they are designed to live with the animals they protect.

Bear’s role as protector allows the the turkeys to remain outside year-round free from predators.

Farmer George Ford, 35, enlisted a sidekick for Bear - 11-month-old pup, Star - in the summer and she is being trained to look after the chickens and the turkeys.

George, who runs Nempnett Pasture in Blagdon, Somerset, said: “He’s still out there patrolling and doing his job.

“We’ve got a puppy called Star and she helps out as well.

“She’s still too young to stay in with the birds full-time so she’s in training - Bear’s taking her under his wing.”