WORCESTER pulled the crowds over the weekend as real ale worshippers from all over the country descended on Pitchcroft for the city's annual Beer Festival.

They flocked to the racecourse for the Campaign for Real Ale's event, at which around 100 beers, ciders and perries from across the UK were on offer.

More than 2,500 people attended the four-day festival, which started on Thursday, to sample some of the many brews available.

"It was a great event with an excellent atmosphere," said Peter Bottomley, treasurer of Worcester CAMRA.

"Saturday and Sunday's weather was superb and people sat out listening to the bands. The beer lasted very well and we only ended-up throwing a small amount away."

Mr Bottomley said Warwickshire's Church End Brewery looked likely to see its beer, Enigmatic Variations, voted beer of the festival. It was brewed especially for the event.

"We believe we will be able to make a sizeable donation to our two chosen charities of St Richard's Hospice and Kaleidoscope of Malvern," added Richard Axe, who ran the tombola stall.