THE DURHAM Beer Festival is heading back to its former home in an attempt to return to prominence in the real ale calendar.

A shortage of volunteer helpers had made the Durham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale abandon its major summer festival venue, the Dunelm House Students' Union complex in New Elvet, in favour of more intimate pub settings.

But the reinvigorated branch, bolstered by fresh blood following an appeal for new members over the past 18 months, plans to revert to Dunelm House for the August festival.

Branch chairman Ken Weaver said in its heyday it was traditionally among the biggest festivals in the North.

"We've budgeted for it, and sorted out staffing matters, and we think we can make a real go of it back at Dunelm House.

"It's not going to be on quite the same scale as it was at its peak, when it was a major event, but we'll see how it goes and possibly build from there.

"Rather than take up the entire main ballroom we're going to base it on one of the upper floors at Dunelm House, but that still gives us scope to have up to 60 different beers available.

The festival has alternated round various popular pub venues with real ale drinkers, particularly the Woodman Inn, in Gilesgate, in recent years.

Provisional dates for the return to Dunelm House are from August 28- 30, but details will be finalised at forthcoming branch meetings.

Information on the branch and festival is available from Mr Weaver on (0191) 384 4389.