DURHAM’S annual beer festival has got underway.

The first pint was pulled at the 34th Durham Beer Festival at Dunelm House, Durham City, on Wednesday (August 27).

The event was formally opened by Dr Bob McManners, who has played a key role in the recent development of Auckland Castle.

The first day saw a battle of the beers competition, won by the Durham Brewery's Red Herring. Maple Rye, of Tyne Bank, was second and Ruby Tuesday from George Samuel Brewery was third.

The festival is organised by Durham Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) and festival co-directors Lyndsey Wright, Nick Young and Peter Lawson.

The festival features 120 British real ales, 30 ciders and perries, bottled beers and assorted wines.

It will be open to the public from 11am to 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Entry costs £4 for the public but is free for Camra members.

Public tickets are only £1 for the Saturday.

Drinks then cost £1.60 per half pint.

There will be music on Saturday afternoon from North Road and Driven Serious.

For more information, visit camradurham.org.uk