Perry is enjoying "mini renaissance" and is set to rival the popularity of Prosecco, experts claim, as growers report a huge uptake in demand.

Fruit growers say the beverage - made from the fermented juice of small, sour, tannic perry pears - is making a comeback as drinkers turn their back on cider and seek lighter alternatives.

The cider and perry industry is currently worth £1.94 billion. There are more than 100 different kinds of perry pear and the drink is less boozy and more fragrant than wine and cider.

Encouraged by a renewed interest in the drink, which was last popular in the 1960s and 1970s, farmers are planting more perry pear trees to meet the demand.

Stephen Ware, a pear grower in Herefordshire, said: "Perry has massively increased in popularity and it's being compared to Prosecco.

"Proper cider is too strong to drink as a session drink so manufacturers want to water it down and add sugar to sweeten it. It gives you a very pleasant and drinkable Prosecco-style experience.

"This suits our drinking habits more now because it's not a strong alcohol but is a light drink. I'm getting the vibe that there is something happening out there and the feedback is very positive.