VISITORS from across the country had a merry time after flocking to Bromsgrove over the weekend to sample and celebrate real ale.

Phil and Val Hosier from Bromsgrove and Jill Smith from Birmingham enjoy a pint.

More than 1,200 people joined members of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to enjoy 72 beers and ciders on sale at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, in Aston Fields, on Saturday and Sunday, for the annual Bromsgrove Beer Festival, which celebrated its 30th year and gave guests the chance to try many different types of ale from the region and across the world.

Event organiser Brett Laniosh said: "Once again, we've been helped by the weather and the people of Bromsgrove and surrounds have done us proud.

"We've shown that quality products go hand in hand with good behaviour and sensible drinking. I would particularly like to thank all the hard working volunteer members of Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA who gave their time to run and staff the event."

The CAMRA group was given an added boost from the event with over 50 new members signing up with membership secretary Doug Robinson throughout the day.

"Every comment we have had from customers has been positive, so we better get started on planning for the 2006 event," added Mr Laniosh.