REAL ale fans will be spoilt for choice in Durham.

Many lovers of traditionally-brewed beer will be flocking to the 27th annual Durham Beer Festival, at Dunelm House, the Student Union building, in New Elvet, Durham, from Thursday to Saturday.

The first pint will be pulled by Durham's deputy mayor, Councillor Grenville Holland, at 5.30pm on Thursday. More than 80 varieties of real ale, cider and perry will be on offer at the three-day event, staged by the Durham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

As a counter attraction, the Duke of Wellington pub, in Darlington Road, Durham, is offering an exclusive preview of a draught organic ale.

Brewed by Duchy Originals, the natural and organic food and drink company founded by the Prince of Wales, it is exclusively available at the Duke of Wellington, and other Ember Inns, for a month from Friday.