BEER on sale in pubs in Bromsgrove is up to standard it has been officially reported by men who know a good ale when they taste one.

Members of Bromsgrove's ancient Court Leet reported their findings after selflessly undergoing a pub crawl to sample the brews on offer, all in the name of consumer protection.

The official findings will be revealed to townsfolk at the court's annual assize of ale, bread and leather on Fair Day, in High Street, on Saturday June 23.

About 25 members of the court, resplendent in their colourful regalia, accompanied by officers and ale tasters from Henley in Arden and Alcester courts, set off from the Strand last Thursday night, May 24.

They called at the Hop Pole, and Crabmill, in Birmingham Road. From there they travelled by coach to Bournheath where they visited the New Inn and Nailers' Arms.

Then it was back to Aston Fields and the Ladybird Inn where, after sampling the beer, the party enjoyed some solid refreshments.

Bromsgrove court's head ale taster, John Weston, from Breakback Road, said later: "Local and visiting ale tasters are pleased to report that all the ale tasted was well up to standard and most welcome on a hot evening."

In years gone by, when ale was drunk at most meals, if the court, which had wide ranging powers, discovered an innkeepers selling substandard or watered down beverages he was sentenced to a spell in the town stocks or on the ducking stool.