IT'S a tough job - but someone has to do it.

Nine pubs in North Yorkshire have been asked to nominate a connoisseur to select the king of real ales during the Dales Festival of Food and Drink.

The chosen few were tickling their taste buds in Leyburn, Wensleydale, yesterday in preparation for the big challenge during the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

On May 3, they will be blindfolded again and taken to a marquee on the town's market square.

There, they will be asked to judge a range of beers.

There is a cup for the winning brew, as well as medals for second and third - and a prize for the pub which is home to the best ale.

A Real Ale Trail will be part of the three-day festival programme, with a shuttle bus linking the pubs that are involved.

Further information about the festival is available by contacting Leyburn Tourist Information Centre, on (01969) 623069.