People who are considering buying a fruit hamper for a loved one as a gift may be interested to hear perfect weather conditions have led to a bumper crop of apples.

Chief executive of English Apples and Pears Adrian Barlow said the winter and spring were very cold, which meant orchards had good dormancy periods.

He explained the high levels of light helped to turn starch in the apples into sugar and this has resulted in a decent batch.

"The prospects are looking very, very good and consumers will find the taste and appearance of their English apples exceptionally good this year," Mr Barlow added.

And the expert also noted this year's apples - which are often found in luxury gift hampers - are slightly smaller than average, but this means they will taste sweeter.

In an interview with News and Star, University of Cumbria horticulture lecturer Tom Attwood remarked the "significant rainfall" seen from May onwards is the reason why apple and pear crops have turned out so well in 2010.