PICK-Your-Own fresh fruit patches in an Oxfordshire farm are taking reservations from locals eager to find a fun, socially-distant outdoor activity that is open during lockdown.

This is why in the very first week that the popular Millets Farm has begun to sell its ripe strawberries, the supplier is seeing a boom in requests from locals.

The farm that is located in Frilford, Abingdon took to social media last week to announce plans for the first PYO fruit event of the season that took place this weekend.

The Facebook post instantly gathered major attention from people including hundreds of comments asking how they can book.

However, enthusiastic locals hurrying to get to the South Oxfordshire location were warned that this year the farm has introduced strict precautions.

Millets Farm warned 'this will be a season like none we have ever seen before'.

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They added: "We want our customers to have access to the most delicious, Millets Own fruit at its freshest and this year the PYO is open only to give you access to this fruit and not as a leisure activity.

"As such, we will have a new procedure and rules in place to ensure both you and our team are kept as safe as possible while in the fields."

Customers wanting to pick fruit were asked to pre-purchase £1.50 admission tickets online for a specific time slot.

Upon arrival, pickers were allocated a tunnel to harvest fruit from for one hour only.

This was done to control the number of people in the strawberry field at any one time.

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Groups of up to two visitors from the same household were permitted to enter the fields to ensure social distancing.

Hand wash stations were also made available for shoppers.

While some residents were displeased that there were not as many time slots available and that groups of more than two were not allowed in, many appreciated the strict safety measures.

One Oxfordshire resident Rebecca Etwell wrote: "Thank you for finding a way to allow strawberry picking to happen during this unprecedented time.

"Your main objective is obviously safety for all, which should be a priority, not ignoring guidance over profit.

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"Family days out can happen again when it is safe to do so.

"My partner is looking forward to bringing our son and I am pleased they will have a fun time."

Another hopeful customer Clair Guy also praised Millets Farm's efforts: "Thank you for trying to open as best you can under the law and government guidelines - you are never going to please everyone."

To book a time slot for the next PYO event at Millets Farm visit milletsfarmcentre.com/shopping/pick-your-own