WITH 9,000 pints of beer and 140 gallons of cider washed down with truckloads of pork scratchings, St Helen's Beer Festival has gone down a real treat writes HEATHER GEDNEY.

Hundreds flocked to Sutton Leisure centre from as far as Blackpool, Liverpool, Derby and Yorkshire to tickle their taste-buds with a veritable pick n mix of real ales and ciders on offer at the frothy event.

The festival also playing host to live bands, a chocolate fountain stall and several eateries, offered festival-goers the chance to taste something different from the norm.

Graham Dinsdale, from Eccleston and a frequent festival-goer, said it's all about technique. "I've been to York, The Crypt in Liverpool and Manchester and this has been every bit as enjoyable. When you come you should start off with a light beer then graduate to something heavier." said Graham.

Fellow beer enthusiast Chris Fryd from Liverpool was present in support of the real ale tradition.

"Compared to ten years ago the range is much better in many pubs but it's true that a lot of pub beers are over-chilled and mass produced. Real ale is a craft product" said Chris.

By the second day of the festival, all the ciders and international bottled beers were completely sold out.

Festival Organiser Ian Pitts was delighted with the event's success and looks forward to its return next year.

"The atmosphere was great! It was by far the best we could have expected" said Ian".