TICKLE your taste buds with a choice of more than 40 real ales at Newton Beer Festival.

The festival takes place this weekend at Newton Sports Club, on Crow Lane East.

Starting tonight, Thursday, the festival runs until April 5 and will include musical entertainment, burgers and a bottle bar.

Event organisers, Rotary Club of Newton, are working in partnership with Golborne Lightshaw and hope to raise £1,000 for St Rocco's Hospice.

People who want to drink can take advantage of free transport provided from Newton and Earlestown train stations and designated drivers will be given free soft drinks.

The first session takes place from 7pm until 11.30pm tonight, then from 7pm until 11.30pm tomorrow, Friday and on Saturday from 12pm until 5pm and 7pm until 11.30pm.

The entry fee is £5 and includes a commemorative pint glass, a programme of ales and the first pint.

Tokens are available for beer at £2 and £2.50 per pint - depending on the quality of the real ale.

Contact John Kilshaw on 222449 or Mike Hewitt on 220688 for more information.