BEER enthusiasts will help a brewery celebrate when they gather at a popular real ale festival next month.

The Durham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) will hold its 24th festival at Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham, between Thursday, September 2, and Saturday, September 4.

The event is sponsored by Bowburn-based Durham Brewery, which is in its tenth year and has brewed a ten per cent strength beer called Decade for the occasion.

The brewery, set up by ex-teachers Steve and Christine Gibbs and launched at the 1994 festival, will have nine brews at the event, which last year returned to Dunelm House after several years away.

There will be 65 brews from all over Britain, five ciders, two perries and bottled beers, including some from Belgium.

Camra chairman Ken Weaver said: "We are expecting a bigger turn-out than last year and we have been informed we will get quite a lot of nationwide interest because of the beer selection and the fact Durham is a popular festival with many people.

"After last year's success, we are very optimistic that we will get good support this year.''

He said a commemorative glass marking the brewery's anniversary would be on sale.

Admission costs £1.50. The opening times are between 5pm and 11pm on the Thursday and between 11am and 11pm on the two other days.