A very cherry summer: Farmers predict longest and largest cherry season ever #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

BRITAIN is set for a bumper cherry crop this year with growers predicting the longest and largest season ever.

You'll be seeing lots of cherries this summer[GETTY]

After the fifth warmest winter since records began, blossom is already appearing on trees.
Farmers believe the crop will be double last year’s, up to 4,000 tons.
And home-grown cherries will be available for longer, hitting supermarket shelves for the first time from early June right through to September.
A spokesperson for British cherry farmers, said: “It’s an exciting year.
"We’re starting to reap the benefits of years of investment to reduce the need for imports and give consumers what they want – large, juicy, British cherries.”
There has been a huge campaign to revive the industry over the past decade.

I urge everyone to get on board and support British

Rachel Khoo, of the BBC’s The Little Paris Kitchen

In 2000 only 300 tons of cherries were produced, with many orchards made up of old, low-yielding trees.
Farmers have invested millions in smaller trees that can be grown in polytunnels, which protects them from harsh weather and birds.
It means they can produce up to four times more cherries per hectare.
The average tree takes four years to start fruiting, so growers are now starting to reap the benefits with new, early and late season varieties.
Celebrity chefs have championed the revival of the industry.
Rachel Khoo, of the BBC’s The Little Paris Kitchen, said: “British cherries are gorgeous fruit with their lovely plump texture, rich colours and stunning blossoms.
"I urge everyone to get on board and support British.”