Wiltshire strawberry fans have enjoyed the sweet taste of success after the warm weather and long summer brought a large increase in crops growing during 2014.

Figures released by British Summer Fruits, which promotes British-grown fruits, show that 60,170 tonnes of the fruit have been produced this year – an eight per cent increase on 2013.

The organisation put the rise down to the milder weather enjoyed across the country this summer, combined with a rise in rainfall on 2013.

Amateur weatherman Geoff Witts believes the blend of above average temperatures and steady rainfall have benefited south west crop growth this year.

And Mr Witts, who lives in Steeple Ashton, near Trowbridge, records weather data. His stats show that this year the region has enjoyed above average temperatures every month apart from August.

He said: “Last year, we had a lot of months that were below average, unlike this year.

“Crop growth is better for some produce when it is warm and wet and this seems to have been a big benefit to our strawberry growing.”

Met Office figures show that last month, the average temperature was 13.9C, 1.2C up on the average, which helps crops like strawberries continue into a longer season.

The dry and warm conditions this month have been caused by high pressure. This tends to block more unsettled weather heading in off the Atlantic, leaving the UK with fine, dry and fairly sunny weather.

Lotmead Farm, in Wanborough Road, Swindon, grows strawberries and welcomes the public to pick their own every year.

Norman Parry, owner of the attraction, said the season had been a strong one for the farm.

“It has been an absolutely fantastic season for us,” he said.

“When you grow fruit outdoors, like us, you’re at the mercy of the weather and pleasingly it has been good to us this year.

“It has allowed us to grow some great strawberries.”

The clement weather has also boosted visitor numbers, with the farm welcoming 3,000 visitors on busy days.

Mr Parry, who has been growing strawberries since 1982, said picking fruit was a good chance for people to get in touch with nature.

“The public really enjoy coming here and we’ve had some very good feedback,” he added.

“We don’t like putting pressure on people, we just let them come here, pick strawberries, offer a few refreshments and have animals out for people to see.”

The farm welcomes visitors to pick strawberries between June and October and also hosts the annual Strawberries and Steam event, which features displays of vintage engines and cars.

The British Summer Fruits research shows a mild winter saw the strawberry season kick off earlier than usual in March, with the continuing good weather meaning produce is expected to grow through to December. The season lasted for just six weeks 25 years ago.

Laurence Olins, chairman of British Summer Fruits, said: “We have produced the biggest UK crop of the nation’s favourite berry this year.

“Due to the industry’s investment in new varieties, increased planting and the growing use of glasshouses, we have been able to meet a growing demand from consumers, who have enjoyed a huge 60,170 tonnes of strawberries.”

To find out more about Lotmead Farm, visit www.lotmead.co.uk