Sprout growers are struggling to get their crops out of the ground and onto the shelves as demand hots up for Christmas.

Roger Welberry, president of the British Sprout Growers Association ,said: 'There's no shortage of sprouts, as some reports have suggested but it's been a very difficult harvest. A lot of the sprouts were lodged over because their roots were waterlogged. With that and the high winds, they've been leaning in all directions.' 'We've had to chop the stalks of by hand,' he adds, 'and then put them through the machines, obviously this has considerably slowed down production and it's also cost a great deal more'.

With an estimated 400 tonnes to be harvested in the week before Christmas everything is being done to remedy the situation. Welberry added: 'We've taken on extra staff and are working 24 hours a day. The machines are running through the night and so are the grading and packing facilities. There are big logistical problems and it's been very difficult in the field.' Lincolnshire and the Cotswolds have been particularly hard hit, but prospects are now looking brighter as the weather improves. 'We're having wonderful weather at the moment,' Welberry said. 'There are good winds and a high chill factor. This has dried out the ground and will prevent the spread of mildew.

'It's a crucial time before Christmas,' he adds, 'but if the weather keeps cold and dry like this we'll have enough sprouts to see us through.'