REAL ale lovers are in for a treat when dozens of beers are severed up at the Ale & Arty Beer Festival this weekend.

This annual festival offers the widest selection of quality ales from fruity and fresh, malty and smooth to dark and bitter.

And organisers say that there is a taste to please even the most discerning drinker.

Amongst the ales available at Stockton Arc are locally brewed Battle of Stockton, a light session blonde ale coming out of the Three Brothers Brewery in the town.

Others on the menu include Banyan, a pale ale from the Orkney Islands and the Curse of Mexico from Manchester's Blackjack brewery.

Organisers said: "The festival provides ale and art lovers with the perfect marriage of tipples and entertainment for what is always an extremely popular event.

"And just in case you can’t be tempted by the dozens of ales ready to be decanted into your Ale & Arty glass, a well-stocked selection of perry, cider and lager will also be ready at the pumps.