THERE was a time for most of us when drinking beer on school premises would have meant a salutary interview with the headmaster.

But for three days only - and for those of us strictly over 18 - that's exactly what we'll be able to do.

For the 9th Skipton Beer Festival is taking place in the Refectory of Ermysted's Grammar School at the end of this month.

And there 's not even any danger of a mild rebuke - at least for those drinkers who can't wait to get stuck into a pint or several of mild.

The festival, which starts on Thursday to Saturday, May 28-30, again features the popular 'mild trail' - along with an impressive 80 British real ales and ciders on draught, plus perries and bottled foreign beers.

It has again been organised by the Skipton branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and hundreds of ale enthusiasts are expected to sample the range of beverages on offer over the three days of the event.

Last year's festival was held at the Rendezvous Hotel, and before that at Skipton Town Hall.

And organisers say the move to Ermysted's should help to make the event readily accessible for those coming from outside the town.

Sally Goodman, of Skipton CAMRA branch, says: "The school is only a few minutes' walk from both the railway station and the bus station, which makes it very convenient. The Rendezvous was fantastic as a venue last year, but numbers were down a little because it is a couple of miles outside the town.

"A lot of people come from outside the area and there is no reason to think that will be any different this year. The range of beers is so wide that there is sure to be something for everyone.

"Mild is making a bit of a comeback at the moment so the 'trail' of eight or so milds is also likely to prove popular. The foreign bottled beers will include some rare American beers, we're also looking into a range of German beers. One of the aims is to boost passing trade in Skipton's pubs, too, so hopefully everybody gains."

Sponsoring the festival are Skipton breweries Copper Dragon and Greyhawk, a new venture which is officially launching its beers at the event.

The festival opens on the Thursday 28 at 3pm and continues on the Friday and Saturday with 11am starts. It ends at 10pm on all three nights.

Admission is £1.50 on Thursday, £2.50 on the other days, and is free to card-carrying CAMRA members.

Despite being located in the school, on Gargrave Road, there are no facilities for children, so it has to be strictly for over-18s only.

CAMRA festival organiser Andy Moore said "We're looking forward to a great weekend at the with a great selection in an excellent new venue close to the Town Centre. Hopefully the sun will shine and we'll have lots of visitors enjoying the quality cooled beers and ciders."