THE third annual Darlington Rugby Football Club (DRFC) Beer Festival will return to the town this week with around 60 different real ales to sample.

Breweries from across the North-East will provide the range of ales for the three-day event, sponsored by Theakston Brewery.

The DRFC Beer Festival 2017 will begin at 5pm on Friday, March 10, and run until Sunday, March 13, in the RFC’s Blackwell Meadows base.

Northern Echo columnist and real ale enthusiast, Mike Amos, will officially open the free event.

Live sport will also feature as part of the festival’s programme of events, including the RBS 6 Nations Championship and Premier League football on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12.

For more information, email drfc.beerfestival@gmail.com