TOWNSFOLK in search of a top tipple should look no further than a beer festival, which is being held in Bromsgrove later this year.

The Bromsgrove and Redditch branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is organising the festival - the first in the two towns for more than 20 years.

It will be held at Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 18, 19 and 20. Visitors will have the enviable opportunity to sample more than 30 thirst quenching local brews.

The last festival was held at the Abbey Stadium in Redditch in 1982 but there has been no event since for want of a perfect venue.

However, when CAMRA held a meeting at the Finstall Park clubhouse they decided it would be a perfect venue for a festival.

Members of the group, who work to promote the more unusual ciders and beers often brewed from local produce, are now busy planning the festival.

CAMRA chairman Brett Laniosh said: "We are really looking forward to the festival and we are busy hunting out some of the more unusual ales."

For a small entrance fee residents will not only have the chance to sup on ales produced by independent breweries but learn about their origins too.

They can also pick up a few hints on where to get the best tipple in Bromsgrove. The CAMRA website has awarded pubs for their ranges of real ales, including The Nailer's Arms in Bournheath and The Ladybird in Aston Fields.

If you would like to nominate your favourite real ale or find out more about the festival log on to www.bromsgrovebeerfestival.org.uk alternatively call Brett on 01527 872890.