They were among dozens who responded to an appeal for help from farmer Tom Spilman, who farms at Helperby, near Thirsk.
![Mainly students and people who have lost their jobs or whose businesses aren't operating were taken on to do the harvest](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjE5MzI2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Student power
Mainly students and people who have lost their jobs or whose businesses aren't operating were taken on to do the harvest Photo: Bruce Rollinson
![Only young asparagus shoots are eaten: once the buds start to open, the shoots turn woody](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjE5MzM1.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. Green shoots
Only young asparagus shoots are eaten: once the buds start to open, the shoots turn woody Photo: Bruce Rollinson
![The job requires care and diligence - but can make your back ache](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjE5MzM5.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Hard graft
The job requires care and diligence - but can make your back ache Photo: Bruce Rollinson
![Workers in masks and gloves pack the delicate asparagus, which is picked, packed and sold on the same day](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjE5NTEw.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Getting sorted
Workers in masks and gloves pack the delicate asparagus, which is picked, packed and sold on the same day Photo: Bruce Rollinson