REAL Ale lovers are being given the chance to sup hundreds of distinctive local brews in one of the best voluntary jobs around.

The Worcester branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) could well be overwhelmed with applications after announcing that it needs someone to taste more than 150 beers in advance of its annual festival at Worcester racecourse on August 15 to 17.

The event, which is part of the Three Choirs Festival fringe, is being organised by Malvern-based Peter Bottomley.

He said: "One of the most important tasks to be completed before the gates open is to taste all the beers to make sure they're in the best possible condition.

"This takes a long time and so we're looking for a willing volunteer to provide some extra help. Local beers from the Three Counties have a special place at the festival but Scottish beers will be much in evidence, so it's important that the volunteer has a cosmopolitan palate."

To apply, email tasting@worcesterbeerfest.org.uk, register at www.worcesterbeerfest.org.uk, or send a postcard to Beer Tasting Competition, Worcester CAMRA, 84 Guarlford Road, Malvern, WR14 3QT. Applications should be in by August 9 and, in the event of more than one entry, the lucky winner will be picked out of a hat.

Part of the proceeds from the beer festival will go to the County Air Ambulance and the Osborne Court Hydrotherapy Unit in Malvern.