A FARMER in Hampshire has wrapped his plants in fleeces to keep his harvest protected.

Meon Valley farmer Graham Collett, has been getting the fleeces out as Storm Darcy was forecast.

As temperatures plummet, the 150,000 baby strawberry plants on Westlands Farm near Wickham, have to be kept warm.

Graham said: “It is not unusual for it to be cold at this time of year but this week it has been especially chilly at night and for a sustained period of time too and that is a risk for the young strawberry plants we have been cultivating.

“The fleece coverings for the plants in the poly tunnels and the glass houses just provide that little bit of extra cover for them when there is a risk of a hard frost.

“We knew the cold weather of Darcy was coming thanks to the forecasting of the Met Office and that meant we were able to prepare for this and make sure we looked after the plants."

Hampshire strawberries are due to picked from the end of March and are renowned for their look and flavour.

Graham added: “Hopefully, so long as the cold weather lifts before too long, everyone should be able to get their fresh British strawberries at their local farm shop or supermarket in time for Easter.”