Farmers report record apple harvest after mild spring

Fruit growers are celebrating a record apple harvest after a mild spring and a warm, dry summer, with yields up by a fifth on last year.

The growers' association said prices for consumers should fall slightly in the coming weeks, and asked supermarkets to stock more local varieties.

Independent experts will publish an assessment of the first year, which parliament will debate before any further changes are made.

Opinion polls suggest that a clear majority of voters support the plan, especially among younger people.