Some 750,000 trees were planted and the crop is ready for harvesting

Over the next six weeks some 27,000 tonnes of the crop are to be delivered to the cider plant at Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

For many years almost 50% of the apples would have come from the continent, but in 1998 apple growers in the county were encouraged to plant a new generation of trees.

Some 750,000 trees were planted and the crop is ready for harvesting.

Peter Spencer of drinks producer Matthew Clark said: "For the cider industry it's great news.

"It's supporting the local economy and it means that we are actually making a real push for cider quality."

This cider plant is now working flat out round the clock at the busiest time of the year.

The plant will produce around 25 million gallons of cider over the next year with most of the production for the home market.

Simon Russell of Matthew Clark said: "Now, because we planted the orchards, we've known the trees since they were planted and we can guarantee that the cider quality will be as good as we can get it."