BEER lovers are bracing themselves for some difficult choices at the Hellifield Beer Festival next week.

For the festival features a range of 34 beers and four ciders to titillate the taste buds of discerning drinkers.

The festival takes place at the Hellifield Social Club next Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, with all proceeds going to charity.

Last year's event, the first, raised £2,000 for local charities and saw 450 visitors try a tipple.

Prices have been held at £1 for a half-pint and £2 a pint across this year's entire range of drinks.

Entrance is £5, which includes a programme, commemorative glass and two beer tokens. Further beer tokens can then be bought as required.

Organising committee chairman David Firth said: "Our first festival last year exceeded all our expectations and was very well received both locally and from the wider real ale community. This time we have expanded the range by adding four ciders alongside the wide range of beers, all still priced at £1 per half pint."

More information can be found at hellifieldbeerfestival.co.uk