A CRICKET club’s successful year, on and off the field, was toasted at a successful end of season celebration at the weekend.

The second Chester-le-Street Cricket Club Beer Festival proved a big hit among both hardened real ale enthusiasts and novices to the taste of traditional tipples.

It was a case of all hands on deck for staff and volunteer helpers at the Ropery Lane club as drinkers flocked from far and wide.

A selection of 22 beers and four real ciders and perries was on offer, but by 10.05pm on Saturday night the last of the 1,584 pints was sunk.

The first beer to be polished off was the strongest on offer, Paradox Brew Dog Arran, a ten-per cent abv (alcohol by volume), soon followed by festival favourite Fuzzy Duck Thumb Ducker, a more modest 3.9 abv.

Helping to soak up the ale were a variety of tasty food offerings, the most popular of which was sausage, caramelised onions and black pudding.

Speaking after yesterday’s clear-up, organiser Jonathan Alderslade said it will be hard to top the events of recent months at the club.

"It’s been a year to remember, with the cricketers winning the ECB Club Championship, the North-East Premier League and 20-20 Cup, while we were named North-East and Durham Club of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale.

"We had the presentation last weekend, then the festival over the last couple of days, and it couldn’t have gone better.

"It’s been busy, and stressful at times, but everyone has played their part."

The planning will start soon for next year’s event, but he admitted it will be hard to top the achievements of 2009.

A donation from the weekend’s proceedings will be given to Willowburn Hospice, at Maiden Law, near Lanchester.