Richmond raised its glass to its second summer festival which got under way last night.

The town's first beer festival launches the programme, with the best real ale the area has to offer on sale in the Market Hall and a dozen pubs around the market place.

Visitors are also invited to try traditional bar sports such as shove ha'penny and skittles, while live music is promised in the market hall.

"This is a new addition to the Richmond Festival," said the town's mayor, Stuart Parsons. "We do not see it as a heavy drinking weekend, more a family event for genuine beer and music lovers.

"Children are welcome in the Market Hall and soft drinks will be served. We want people to come along and appreciate quality local ales, enjoy the music, play a few nostalgic games and have a good time."

Other festival events planned this weekend include an art exhibition in the town hall.

The town's second Spot the Sheep competition is also in progress, challenging shoppers to find humorously decorated cardboard cut-outs in shop windows, with the entire "flock" auctioned tomorrow.

Next weekend, soprano Shona Allen performs at the King's Head, a family film will be shown in the town hall, there are plans for an It's a Knock-out tournament and live street entertainment, while Theatre Set-Up perform Shakespeare's As You Like It from 7.30pm on Sunday, June 30.