THE organisers of a charity beer festival are raising a glass as it appeared that the event could be saved, despite losing its prestigious venue.

For the past two years, Casks in the Castle has taken place inside the grounds of Auckland Castle, raising more than £10,000 for charity.

But its future was plunged into doubt last week when the organisers, the Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Round Table, were told that they would have to pay a commercial rate to hold next year's festival at the castle.

However, following an article in The Northern Echo last Wednesday, the Round Table has been inundated with offers to help salvage next year's event.

Whitworth Hall County Park Hotel, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Spennymoor Masonic Lodge, Sedgefield Racecource and The Dog Inn at Heighington have all offered the use of their facilities for the event.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generous response from the region," said chairman Chris Robinson. "A decision will be made next week about the venue and date of the event.

"We are now confident that the festival will not only continue to be a part of the town's events calendar, but will also evolve into something the county can be proud of."

Due to the change of venue, the event will no longer be called Casks in the Castle, and will be known as Casks Three next year.

Last year, about 4,500 pints of real ale and cider were served at the festival, which had formed part of an award-winning events programme based around the castle until the decision by trustees.

This week, the Round Table gave more than £2,500 raised from this year's festival to good causes.

Groups that benefited included Care of the Next Infant, Bishop Auckland Children's Ward, Evergreen Primary School, Auckland Hospital Radio, The Talking Newspaper and Bishop Auckland St Mary's Juniors FC.

Mr Robinson said: "The satisfaction we all get in giving to such worthy causes makes us more determined to make next year's festival, Casks Three, bigger and better than this year."