Shrewsbury Beer Festival proves a huge hit with fans

More than 1,400 people sampled 60 beers at the festival held earlier this month at the Morris Hall in Bellstone.

Nigel Bevan, festival co-ordinator, said that prior to the event he had been worried it might turn out to be a flop. He said: "We were a little nervous about opening but numbers were good and trade was steady. Friday and Saturday were very strong and by closing time we had very little beer left."

Branch vice chairman Norrie Porter, added: "I was pleased to see that the festival added to trade in the town, with many festival-goers visiting Shrewsbury real-ale pubs, lots eating locally and several staying in hotels and B&Bs in town."

As well as offering the public the opportunity to try a wide range of beer styles, the festival also hosted the Shropshire Brewer's Challenge competition.

Independent judges, which this year included Shropshire Star journalist David Burrows, picked the Three Tuns Brewery from Bishop's Castle as winners with their iconic stout.

Festival-goers are also offered the chance to vote for their favourite beer, with the gold award going to the Waen Brewery and their brewster Sue Hayward for Chilli Plum Porter.

Local cider producer Graham Wilde offered the festival a cask of his fine, home brewed beer. However, as Graham isn't a registered brewer, his beer couldn't be sold so he gave it away for free, but accepted donations to this year's Poppy Appeal, raising £150.

Dave Ricketts, bar manager and beer co-ordinator, said: "We received many favourable comments about the venue and range beers of available."

Any surplus will be used to promote the Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra's) work to increase the popularity of good real ale and support a thriving pub sector.