PUB-GOERS in Darlington are being asked to dig deep this weekend to help serving and ex-RAF servicemen and women.

Tanners Hall, in Skinnergate, launched its Aviation Ale Festival yesterday in support of the Royal Air Forces Association's Wings Appeal, which commemorates the Battle of Britain.

Duty manager Mark Bell said: "We're selling a range of speciality brews with a flying theme such as Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber and Bombardier."

Association member Phil Chinery said: "People have put money in the collection boxes and we've supped a lot of ale and really enjoyed ourselves."

The Wings Appeal gives welfare to needy RAF personnel.