REAL ale lovers are descending on a village cricket club to enjoy some of the region’s finest brews, while at the same time raising money for a good cause.

Lanchester Cricket Club is staging its annual beer festival at its Ashley Park ground, on Kitswell Road, from today to Sunday.

The club has named the Bubble Appeal as the official charity for the weekend.

Club chairman Neil Graham said: “We held our first beer festival last year, which was a great success.

“This year we’ll have 25 local beers on tap, 15 ciders and a choice of wines from Lanchester Wines.

“We have had a long association with the Bubble Appeal. They had one of their first fundraising events at the club and quite a few members are associated with the charity.”

The Bubble Appeal raises funds for the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital, in Newcastle.

It offers care for children born without an immune system who would otherwise die before their first birthday if left untreated.

The foundation helps to provide medical equipment, toys and educational aids, to assist in the welfare of the babies, children and their families.

It also funds research required at what is considered a cutting edge of paediatric practice.

Invited guests will attend an event for sponsors tonight (Friday).

Doors will then open for members of the public, from 2pm to 10.30pm tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday. Admission is £9 and includes a free glass and programme and several tokens.

Smoking Spitfires band will appear at 7.30pm tomorrow (Saturday), while the Pretty Weeds will take to the stage at the same time on Sunday.

A weekend ticket is £10. Under 18s are free when accompanied by an adult.

Further information is available from www.lanchesterbeerfestival.co.uk, or from the clubhouse, on 01207-520198.

The work of the foundation can be viewed via www.bubblefoundation.org.uk.