REAL ale lovers are keenly anticipating lifting a pint - or several - at Skipton's Ninth Beer Festival next week.

Around 70 ales and ciders will feature at the three-day event, which takes place in the Refectory at Ermysted's Grammar School from Thursday to Saturday, May 28 to 30, and is organised by the town's branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The festival again features the popular 'mild trail', where drinkers can sample several different brews of mild, a brew which is making a strong comeback after years of relative unpopularity.

And there is also a selection of wines, perries and foreign bottled beers on offer at the event, which takes place between 3pm and 10pm on Thursday and 11am and 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

Admission is £1.50 on Thursday and £2.50 on both other days. There is free entry for card-carrying members of CAMRA.

There is also free admission for groups of 10 people or more - but booking must be made, either online or by post, in advance with the particular session and time of arrival specified.

One of the organisers, Sally Goodman, of Skipton CAMRA branch, said: "We are expecting hundreds of people to sample an excellent and interesting range of ales over the three days.

"Using Ermysted's as a venue also seems to have created a lot of interest and we are confident it will be a great success."

Drinkers will also be asked to support Manorlands Hospice, the festival's chosen charity for this year.

Skipton's new GreyHawk brewery, which has recently taken on Copper Dragon brands, is sponsoring the event.

Further information can be found on the festival website at skiptonbeerfestival.camra.org.uk