THE beer is flowing after the first pints were pulled at one of the region’s biggest annual celebrations of real ale.

For bar manager Nick Young, who had the honour of pouring the first pint, preparations for the 37th Durham Beer Festival have been a real labour of love.

Not only does the joiner by trade have a passion for a good pint, being a member of organisers, the Durham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), but he has also been able to put his woodworking skills to good use for the cause.

He has given up many man hours’ work after volunteering to make the extended main bar, now in use at the event’s traditional venue, the Fonteyn Ballroom, at Dunelm House, New Elvet, as well as sourcing the 72 hand pulls in use.

Mr Young conceded his wife thought he was mad when he told her of his pledge, but the fruits of his labours have helped save the branch a large chunk of the usual outlay for the hire of the bar equipment.

He and fellow bar volunteers hope to be kept busy during the three days of the festival, which starts at 12-noon daily and ends at last orders, at 10.30pm on Saturday.

Standard entry packages are £5 which includes a commemorative glass, a festival programme and half-pint token, although Camra members will receive two on production of a valid membership card.