A record 200 billion daddy-long-legs are set to hatch this autumn and experts are warning the warm weather will see the insects spread further across the country than ever before.

The bugs – also known as crane flies – have benefited from a combination of a hot summer and the right amount of rain, which has helped them grow in their subterranean tunnels.

And thanks to a late burst of warm September weather, the insects now have more time to spread to the north of the country.