A WOMAN with a taste for a tipple is going to prove beers are not just for the boys, when she puts the Worcester Beer Festival's 170 real ales to the test.

Twenty-eight year old Jo Hannon will be responsible for testing each of the festival's beers for clarity, aroma and taste before the event starts next Thursday.

Jo, of Orchard Road, Malvern, won the privilege after her name was drawn from 39 entries in a competition run by the festival.

She has never been to a beer festival before, but confesses to enjoying a pint of beer.

Sshe entered the competition as she knew people who had been to festivals before and enjoyed them.

"I like to think of myself as a wine connoisseur but I've been a beer drinker for a few years so hopefully I will have some experience from my social life," she said.

"I'm ecstatic about winning and suppose I will have to get in some practice at the weekend."

Jo will spend about two-and-a-half hours on the afternoon of the festival testing each beer before it kicks begins 7pm on Worcester race course.

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She will also help select 10 beers for the Champion Beer of the Festival competition.

Organisers have put together a list of recommended beers for female 'beer virgins' which includes a brew from Ombersley's Canon Royal brewery - Fruiterer's Mild.

It follows a campaign by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale to attract more women to drink beer.

More than 5,000 people are expected attend the event, drinking a total of about 17,000 pints.

The festival will be officially opened by BBC Midlands Today presenter Suzanne Virdee and will feature 170 real ales and about 65 ciders and perrys from across the country.

"We expect the festival to go very well, especially with the current weather conditions," said Bill Ottaway, festival publicity officer.

The festival runs from 7pm to 11pm on Thursday and 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Entry is £3 per day and £5 after 5.30pm on Friday, which includes a souvenir glass and programme for the festival.

Tickets are available in advance from Huntingdon Hall.