BEER and music lovers will be in their element later this month at an annual festival.

The 26th Darlington Rhythm 'n' Brews Festival runs from Thursday, September 15, to Sunday, September 18.

A range of real ales will be available at the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace. Thirteen new breweries are being represented, including Wear Valley, of Bishop Auckland, and Bull Lane, of Sunderland.

Two beers are being brewed specially, Rhythm and Moos, from the Brown Cow Brewery, in Selby, North Yorkshire, and Wiri Not, from Darwins of Sunderland.

The music at the Arts Centre begins with Smokin' Spitfires on September 15, at 8pm.

The festival culminates in a full day of live music in the Market Square, on September 18.

There will also be live music in town centre pubs the Hole In The Wall, the Quaker House and the Pennyweight, as well as the Dolphin Centre.

A leaflet with full details can be requested from the box office on (01325) 486555