Fruit lovers are still enjoying Herefordshire strawberries after the fruit crop was protected from the heavy rain by polytunnels.

Since they were introduced 14 years ago the polytunnels have allowed soft fruit growers to produce increasingly successful crops because they prevent rain damage to growing fruit.

In an average year withoutpolytunnels some 40% of the crop would be damaged by rainfall.

Following last week's rain polytunnels helped save the crop.

Anthony Snell, NFU regional horticultural board chairman, said: "The biggest thing is simply if we hadn't had polytunnels for the past few weeks we would have had no business.

"We would be relying on imports and that would lead to big food mile implications."

Mr Snell, who farms at Harwood End, said the polytunnels also allowed for less agro-chemicals to be used and helped to extend the season.

He added: "The conditions polytunnels provide enable us to provide what the market needs to reduce imports."