A Christmas tree grower near Ledbury says the recent record-breaking summer was actually good for his maturing conifers, despite national reports that the hot weather has been a disaster for the industry.

Reports in national newspapers and on television have indicated that the public might be facing disappointment this Christmas: with fir trees meant for the festive season having succumbed to the recent withering temperatures.

But while small trees did suffer in the heat, meaning that growers will be looking to re-plant in the autumn, this is only to ensure that a good crop of trees will be ready for 2025, some seven years into the future.

This year's trees will be particularly good, according to Colin Palmer of Coddington Christmas trees, who is a nationally recognised expert in his field and the author of the book, "Christmas Trees - A Growers Guide".

Mr Palmer said: "My son was interviewed on television , and basically he was putting the record straight.

"Yes, the long hot summer has affected trees planted this year, and growers will need to re-plant this autumn, to catch up. But more mature conifers like nothing better than a hot summer.

"Basically, everyone this year if going to get a lovely Christmas tree."

Mr Palmer wrote his influential guide because, over the years he was regularly asked by customers with a piece of spare land if Christmas trees would be a good use of the field.

Speaking at the time of the book's publication, back in 2016, said: "I was aware that, until now, there has been no such published guidance for new or prospective growers in the UK, despite there being some 50 million Christmas trees grown in the country."

The family business has expanded beyond the Ledbury area to include son, Matthew, who also grows trees at Kidderminster and Pershore, as well as helping other growers around the UK to look after their trees.