Award-winning actress a1331090 Dora Bryan launched a stinging attack on millionaire turkey magnate Bernard Matthews following revelations of animal cruelty in his factory.

The 83-year-old star of stage and screen angrily declared that Mr Matthews had no chance of getting into Heaven after seeing footage recorded by undercover investigators of workers throwing turkeys into the air and battering them with a pole.

Miss Bryan, of Marine Parade, Brighton, said: "I am sure if I met Bernard Matthews he would be charm itself and say he was doing a lot of work for a lot of people.

"But he must know what's going on in his own factory. Doesn't he have inspectors going round to make sure everything is done humanely?"

Images of four men allegedly playing rounders with the birds as they collected them for slaughter at Beck Farm, Haveringland, Norfolk, were broadcast widely on news bulletins last week.

Thousands of birds are turned into various Bernard Matthews products - including the Turkey Twizzlers slated by TV chef Jamie Oliver.

The Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk says it intends to hand its footage to the RSPCA with a view to prosecution.

Miss Bryan said: "I feel so strongly about this, not only about the turkeys but also other examples of animal cruelty.

"I am not vegetarian or vegan or anything - I don't demonstrate - but seeing those photos kept me awake all night."

Miss Bryan's film roles included Rosie in The Fallen Idol and the headmistress in The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery in 1966.

She was awarded a Bafta for her portrayal of the sluttish Helen in A Taste Of Honey and more recently she had roles in the hit television series Absolutely Fabulous, Catterick and Dinnerladies.

Bernard Matthews, 75, founded his empire 56 years ago. His adverts have made him one of Britain's best-known businessmen.

A spokesman for Bernard Matthews Ltd said: "We have now seen the video evidence and we are horrified by the contents of this filming and condemn such cruelty unreservedly.

"The people involved have already been suspended, pending a thorough investigation that is likely to result in prosecutions and dismissals.

"In this business we are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare. We recognise that our systems have failed in this instance and we are carrying out an immediate and thorough review.

"We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure such maltreatment does not happen again.

"The company has met representatives from the RSPCA, trading standards and the state veterinary services and is assisting them fully in pursuing prosecution of the perpetrators."