THE hunt is on for a strong-stomached individual to get a taste of the action at this year's Worcester Beer Festival as chief sampler of the vast array of tipples on offer.

The annual event, which is in its seventh year, takes place at Worcester racecourse from Thursday, August 11, to Saturday, August 13, with a total of 100 ciders and perries, 250 real ales and several fruit and grape wines on offer.

Organisers are now on the hunt for a volunteer to quality check that this year's ciders and perries meet the festival's high standards.

They will also be allowed to bring along a friend and will be responsible for drawing up a shortlist for the Champion Cider and Perry award, which will be judged on the Friday evening of the festival.

The winner will also receive tickets so they can come back during the festival to drink more cider and perry or sample the many ales and fruit wines that will be available.

Anyone feeling up to the challenge, which will start at noon on Thursday, August 11, should register their details before midnight on Sunday, July 31, at www.worcester

beerfest.org.uk

This year's event will have a three counties theme, providing many ales, ciders and perries from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, as well as the best drinks on offer from the rest of the country.

There will also be food available and entertainment provided on the Thursday and Friday evenings and throughout the day on Saturday.

Admission is £3, except after 5.30pm on Friday when the price rises to £5. CAMRA members can enter all sessions at £1 and admission includes a festival glass and programme.

Tickets can be bought in advance from Huntingdon Hall box office or on the day.

l If you don't win the opportunity to be an official festival taster, don't worry. See Saturday's Worcester News for your chance to win a barrel of beer.