Why spring has been 'berry' good news for UK strawberries

The unusual weather this spring has had a bonus affect on strawberries grown in the UK, farmers say.

The cooler weather at the beginning of May delayed the growth of the berries making them sweeter and juicier.

Lots of rainfall followed by plenty of sun also helped them to grow larger.

The heatwave at the end of May ripened them up leading to what famers group British Berry Growers say are fruit with 'incredible sweetness and size'.

East Yorkshire strawberry farmer, Patrick Wilson, says his crop is amazing this year.

"There's some beautiful ones at the moment - lovely, red and sweet" he said.

People can go to his farm to pick their own fruit and, despite the current rainy weather, Patrick says there are still people in his fields with raincoats on taking berries home.

He's not the only farmer here loving the weather.

Tuesley Farm, in Surrey, say they're going to be shipping one million punnets of strawberries a week when they reach peak growing season!

When they're grown in Britain, the peak season (when you'll find the tastiest ones in the shops) is often between the end of May and the end of August.

This changes every year depending on the weather.

We see strawberries in the supermarkets all year round though as they'll often be shipped in from sunnier climates like Spain, Morocco or Egypt.

It's worth knowing that the unusual weather isn't good for all British farmers. Some parts of the UK had one of the driest Aprils on record.

If arable farmers, those that grow crops like wheat and barley, don't get enough rain they might harvest half as much as usual. Then these farmers have less to sell and will less money.

This can also affect farmers with animals - as many grow plants for them to eat. If fewer crops grow, these farmers have to buy more food which is very expensive.