The Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre has lowered the water level in George the green turtle's tank. Staff at the centre give George a seasonal treat of Brussel sprouts at Christmas to provide a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and fibre. But turtles, like humans, are prone to heavy bouts of flatulence after eating the vegetables.

Last year, a turtle triggered overflow alarms in the middle of the night after the splashes from gassy bubbles hit overflow sensors.  Now thousands of litres of water have been removed from the 12ft deep turtle tank to reduce the water level by six inches to keep it clear of the sensitive alarms.  Displays supervisor Christine Pitcher said: "Last time an aquarist had to dash to the centre in the middle of the night, so we're not going to take any chances.

"Sprouts are really healthy for green turtles. 'The high levels of calcium in them are great for their shells, the fibre is good for their digestion and they also contain lots of beneficial Vitamin C, sulphur and potassium."  Senior marine biologist Darren Gook added: "We like to treat him to different foods and seeing as it's Christmas we thought brussel sprouts would be good.  "I haven't noticed too many bubbles coming from George yet but hopefully now the water levels have been adjusted flatulence won't cause problems."

Ah yes... sprouts. It usually takes me until well into the New Year to get over Christmas dinner.

Fuelled by sprouts, Claude joined the jet set.

The original was here