Cider farmers in the West Country are reporting the sweetest and biggest apple harvest for years - and they say it's all down to the weather in 2016.

A rare combination of a chilly spring followed by a wet August and long, warm September helped deliver a bumper crop which should mean a strong cider.

Producers are reporting they have run out of barrels and have had to stop taking in apples.

A bumper apple harvest for 2016. Credit: PA Images

Barrington Court in Somerset produces its own sweet cider which takes around 13 weeks to naturally ferment. That means cider made now should be ready to drink by Valentine's Day.

Rachel Brewer, Pommelier at the National Trust property, said: