BLOKES are complete turkeys when it comes to carving the traditional Christmas bird.

While the country's menfolk reckon they have a heart surgeon's touch with the knife, their better halves think otherwise.

At least that is the claim of Sainsbury's, which is offering carving lessons to women in the run-up to Christmas.

Slicing the turkey is still seen as one of those traditionally masculine jobs - like barbecuing and lighting fireworks.

According to a survey for the firm, almost half the women in Britain - 41 per cent - believe they could carve the turkey better than their husbands, but 83 per cent stay quiet for fear of shattering the fragile male ego.

Sainsbury's is sending out teams of turkey carvers to demonstrate how the professionals do it.

"Carving a turkey correctly is a dying art and one which has become a traditionally masculine domain," said Sainsbury's innovations chef Ian Walker.

"Our turkey carving lessons are aimed at encouraging women to turn the tables this year by suggesting they show their male partners how it's done."

The refurbished Sainsbury's at the Arnison Centre, on the outskirts of Durham City, is one of 31 store holding the demonstrations. They will take place today at 10am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm.