Bumper harvest at Halfpenny Green Vineyards

It might now have been a sunny summer to remember, but farmers at one West Midlands vineyard couldn't be happier.

They are harvesting a bumper crop this year - and it is all down to the perfect mix of warm days and plenty of rain.

Halfpenny Green Vineyards owner Martin Vickers said the balmy temperatures in June and July meant more grapes had grown. And the disappointing August and September suited the grapes perfectly too. It comes as apple growers across the country also revealed they had seen a rise in crops.

Martin Vickers, who owns Halfpenny Green Vineyards, in Tom Lane, Bobbington, said up to 50 tons of grapes would be picked this year compared to the average crop of 35-40 tons.

"We are seeing a fantastic crop this year," Mr Vickers said. "We started picking on Monday and will be picking for the rest of this week. It's down to the weather in late June, early July when we see the blossom. It was nice and warm which is the perfect conditions."

Mr Vickers added the wetter weather in August also helped the grapes grow.

He added: "It's not only the quantity that is affected but also the quality of grape. The weather has certainly been good news for this vineyard."

Mr Vickers added 2006 was the last time he harvested a bumper crop and said in a bad year only 20 tons could be produced.

Farmers who harvest apples throughout the country have also noticed a rise in the crop.

Paul Dunsby from Cotswold Orchards Fruit Farm, near Evesham, Worcestershire, said some of his fruit was 50 per cent bigger than normal because of the ideal weather conditions.