THIRSTY festival-goers downed a colossal 14,646 pints of ale, cider and perry at this year's Bromsgrove Beer Festival.

This year's event went down a treat as nearly 3,000 visitors turned out at Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club over the weekend to try more than 200 different beverages.

CAMRA saw 90 new members sign up, and 80 volunteers lent a hand to ensure the festival's success.

Spokesman for the Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA branch Tony Colclough said: "I'd like to thank the support of our volunteer members.

"The event planning started some six months ago, with a lot of hard work from the core team.

"It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves, taking advantage of the good weather.

"The bars were very busy on the Friday night when we consumed some 46 per cent of the beer supplies. Saturday was a much more relaxing day with a steady stream of visitors.

"I particularly enjoyed being able to chat to our visitors, and help them discover new styles of drink that were still available when we closed."

The voted 'Beer of the Festival' was Fownes Korvaks Saga Chapter IV Downfall, with Fownes The Elephant Rider coming in second.

JP Cider was voted the festival's best cider.

Ran Rum & Raisin Stour was the first beer to sell out, followed by Woodcote Manor Triple SSS.

The first cider to go was Snails Bank Rhubarb Cider, followed by Broadoak Sloe Gin Cider and Seacider Blood Orange.

Staff from Alestones in Tardebigge were presented with the 'Pub of the Year' award, while 'Club of the Year' went to Clent Club.

Nearly £800 was raised for the Bromsgrove branch of the Royal British Legion through donated beer cards.

Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club provided outdoor entertainment, food venues and a falconry display outside the bar.

Tony added: "As always, nothing is perfect, and we'd love to hear any feedback, good or bad, at tony@rb.camra.org.uk."