WITH more glorious early autumn sunshine ripening off the grapes, a juicy harvest was brought in by a community effort at Priors Dean Vineyard.

Around 25 people, some of whom have been helping to pick the grapes on the beautiful 1.5-acre slope with its stunning views over three counties, since it started were picking the grapes last Thursday.

Paid in cash for their efforts, or with bottles of the wine which has won numerous national and county awards since the vineyard was founded a quarter of a century ago, they were delighted to be contributing to the 2015 vintage.

“I’ve been coming for more than ten years and I really enjoy it,” said semi-retired tea merchant Brian Smallman of Alresford, whose collie George was napping amid the vines.

“And the wine is wonderful stuff.”

Jim Morley (77), of Greatham, also had his snipping scissors out on the grapes of the Bacchus, Madeleine, Angevine and Seyval varieties which produce the quality white wine, made at Hattingley Valley Winery near Medstead.

His sister, Pam Elkins (84), owns the vineyard, founded with her late husband, Neil, in 1988.

Jim said:?“My family farmed here for 40 years so I have been here since the beginning.” Pam was grateful for all the hard work of the pickers.

Anyone wanting a tour of the vineyard, to picnic there or other information, should contact her at: [email protected]. Visit www.priorsdeanvineyard.co.uk