The UK could be facing a sprouts shortage in the run-up to Christmas, one of the country's growers has warned.

Exceptionally hot weather earlier in the year, coupled with the present wintry conditions, had led to a "race against time" to get the vegetable on dinner plates in time for Christmas, said Chris Gedney, managing director of Lincolnshire-based grower TH Clements.

Some retailers were already turning to 'emergency' supplies from the Netherlands to satisfy ­demand, he added.