Farmers are struggling to harvest vegetables in the big freeze, which will lead to higher food prices and damage small businesses, it has been claimed.

Stephen Alambritis, chief spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Our members have had a run on vegetables and food, which they were pleased about because it brought them in some money - but the replacements have been thin on the ground.

"There is concern that farmers have not been able to bring the harvest in for such items as potatoes, sprouts and cabbages which reduces the amount available to stores - and pushes up prices.

"Supermarkets may be able to hold prices for now but small businesses will have to pass increases on to their customers, which is damaging for business.

"And even the supermarkets may have to push up prices if this goes on until February."

The federation has 215,000 members, including 20% in the retail and food sectors.