DURHAM'S Gala Theatre was the place to be for lovers of fine wine and beer at the weekend.

The £14m venue staged its second Oktoberfest at which visitors could sample more than 40 different beers, wines from around the world and a new fruit juice called Pago.

Many of the brews came from abroad, including countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic and Mexico.

But British real ale was well represented, including beers from the Hill Island Brewery, which is only a short walk from the theatre.

To add to the feel of a German beer festival, there was an oompah duo to entertain drinkers.

The theatre's bars manager David Mortemore said the event had been a success and attracted many visitors.

"We sold 1,000 pints on Saturday alone,'' he said. "The response has been very good, better than the first one last year.

"At times, all the seats were taken. We are hoping to make it an annual event."