SOMERSET'S honey crop is the worst for decades, according to members of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association.

Some beekeepers have not harvested any at all, while others are substantially down on last year.

SBKA chairman Anne Pike said: "The glorious early spring saw colonies build up fast but when the weather turned the honey stores were quickly consumed by the growing colonies of bees."

David Morris, from Taunton, who has been keeping bees for 61 years, said he had averaged just five pounds of honey per hive.

He added: "The cause is mainly weather-related.

"We had a hot June followed by a wet July, when what we want is the reverse to give us plenty of blackberry and clover nectar for a summer honey flow."

The downside for those who like honey is that prices are expected to rise to reflect the season's shortage.

Mrs Pike added: "Local honey is an extraordinary, natural product – it’s usually raw (untreated), contains local pollen and is additive-free."