It may be hard to believe, with this week's torrential storms and cold weather, but summer is here.

It's strawberry season - a sure sign that Wimbledon and barbecues must be on the way.

The succulent soft fruit has taken a bit of a battering over the past few days but there is still plenty to go around.

People have been busy picking their own at farms around the county as the strawberries reach peak condition.

Marianne Jones from East Mersea Pick Your Own said: "We have had people out picking all week and they are coming back with some lovely baskets of fruit.

"We had a very heavy storm, but we have a bumper crop."

Strawberries are also ready for the picking at Stanway, Ardleigh and Marks Tey to name but a few. But strawberry lovers in Tiptree will have to wait a little bit longer for their favourite dessert.

The fruit at Napiers Farm in Colchester Road is still ripening, but is expected to be ready for picking within the next two weeks.

Owner Liz Adams said: "We didn't have the strawberries fleeced this year, so we are still a week or two away."

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