Asda in Wellington is rationing tomatoes after the fruit growers were hit by 'flooding and cold temperatures'.

On Wednesday the store was limiting customers to a maximum purchase of three tomato products.

The supermarket giant called on shoppers to behave 'responsibly'. A sign seen in the fresh goods aisle read: "At this time of high demand and intermittent supply we're working hard to keep our shelves stocked with items for everyone.

We've always been proud to serve our customers with great items, and we'd ask all our customers to please shop responsibly so we can make sure there is enough to go around."

There was no tomato rationing seen in Waitrose Wellington on Wednesday morning. However shelves were seen half full.

A note above the remaining stocks of tomatoes read: "Thanks for your patience. Supply issues are making it difficult to source some products to the high quality you expect from us. We're working hard to bring you our full range as soon as possible."

The shortage comes after tomato fruit growers across Europe and Morocco suffered a difficult harvest because of bad weather.

It has been reported that crops in Morocco have been poor this year after flooding and cold temperatures.

The tomato harvest across Spain and other areas of Southern Europe has also proved difficult following a cold spell.

The British Tomatoes Growers Association says that just one fifth of tomatoes eaten in the UK are grown on UK soil. Of the 500,000 tonnes of tomatoes that are eaten here annually, 400,000 are imported.

British reliance on imported tomatoes becomes acute in the Winter time when British suppliers look to Morocco and Spain to meet demand.

But a poor harvest has resulted in low levels of stock and rationing in some grocers. In a statement Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium said: "Difficult weather conditions in the south of Europe and northern Africa have disrupted harvest for some fruit and vegetables including tomatoes.

"However, supermarkets are adept at managing supply chain issues and are working with farmers to ensure that customers are able to access a wide range of fresh produce."