THE third annual Real Ale Festival kicks off at Witham Public Hall on Friday to raise money for a local cause.

It is run in association with the Campaign for Real Ale, and any members of the organisation get free entry on presentation of their membership card.

The event will showcase more than 30 real ales, ciders and perries from the whole of the country, ranging from the south coast of England up to as far as Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Many of the beers will never have been seen in Witham before, however local favourite No Name will also be available for fans who have got a taste for the ale in previous years.

All of the proceeds raised from the event go towards the running of the public hall, which is run entirely by volunteers to provide entertainment and somewhere to host events for residents of Witham.

Admission is just £3, with £1 being refundable on the return of the souvenir glass.

The doors to the hall open at 12noon on Friday and Saturday and last orders are called at 11pm on both evenings.

More information, and a list of provisional ales can be found at: www.withampublichall.co.uk.