REAL ale enthusiasts in the North-East can toast the New Year in style with a selection of the region's best beers to sample under an historic roof.

The now annual Winter Beer Festival is being staged at Beamish Hall Hotel, County Durham, on January 23/24.

It will feature more than 60 real ales and perries, with the backing of a selection of solo singers and bands.

The event runs from 7pm until midnight on the Friday (January 23), and between 4pm and midnight on the Saturday, with ten different musical performances over the course of the weekend.

There is a £5 charge per person, per day, with further details available via beamish-hall.co.uk, or by ringing (01207) 233733.