A Newent fruit farmer is pick of the crop after completing a bumper harvest from specially-developed blackcurrant bushes.

Traditional varieties of blackcurrant are suffering from the effects of climate change, but Edward Keene is bucking the trend after successfully harvesting 160 acres of fruit for soft-drinks company Ribena.

The key to his success is a range of specially created plant varieties, developed to suit changing weather conditions.

"Ribena have been developing new varieties, including ones with frost resistance, and the latest one, with increased 'hangability'," said Mr Keene, of Moat House farm.

"This means the currents stay on the bushes even after heavy rain."

Ribena uses a staggering 95 per cent of all blackcurrants grown in Britain and this year's harvest means Mr Keene will be able to meet his quota with ease.