After a disappointing summer, the colours of this year's autumn leaves are particularly stunning.

Listeners to Radio 4's PM programme - and readers of the BBC News website - have been sending in their photographs of the changing season.

Take a look at some of the best images - as Alan Power, Head Gardener at the Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire, explains why the colours are so vivid.

PM is broadcast on Radio 4 at 1700 Monday to Saturday

Music: 'Autumn Reverie' composed by Johnny Pearson

Production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 21 October 2008.

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