WITH the new season now under way, cricket fans need worry no longer about where to go for a perfect pint.

The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket is the first ever book to bring together the subjects of cricket and real ale. It has been launched by beer and pubs campaign group CAMRA to help fans find refreshment when rain stops play at New Road.

Local CAMRA spokesman Bill Ottaway was on hand to launch the guide at The Cricketers in Angel Street, one pub that features alongside the entry for Worcestershire CCC. St John's pubs The Bush and The Bell also feature in the guide.

Mr Ottaway said: "There are many good pubs for real ale in the city but these pubs are near to New Road, just a few minutes from the ground.

"Not unlike real ale, cricket has seen a strong resurgence in recent years amongst all age groups and this book celebrates this link."