THATCHERS have announced that the especially high temperatures this summer have resulted in its earliest ever harvest.

The cider makers, who are based out of Sandford, Somerset, have made their harvest of apples ten days ahead of schedule.

They claim it is the first time in its more than 120 year history that they have begun picking apples from their orchard before the August Bank Holiday.

Richard Johnson, head cider maker at Thatchers Cider, said: “We had an excellent spring, where the warm weather and bountiful blossom gave us good pollination, meaning the trees are laden with fruit.

“The apples are slightly smaller due to the lack of rain, but the flavours are intensified.”