IT is hoped real ale lovers will get into the millennium spirit at a mini beer festival.

Tow Law, near Bishop Auckland, is running a series of events to mark the millennium.

Following on from its community festival, people can continue the merrymaking with a beer festival at Tow Law Football Club, in Ironworks Road on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, June 15.

Chairman of the club John Flynn said: "This is the football club's contribution to Tow Law's millennium events. We have ten different ales for people to sample beers that they might not have tried before.

"This is only a mini festival because it's our first attempt."

The Red Lion Pub, North Bitchburn, will be supplying the ale.

Tow Law's next celebration will be a street party on August 6, to mark the Queen Mother's 100th birthday.