BEER lovers have been raising their glasses for a real ale event which has been launched with a Kiss.

The cause for celebration is the third beer festival organised at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, County Durham, by the Wear Valley branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

And H and B Brewery student David Ingle has been there to test the star of the show, Valentine's Kiss, a beer he has concocted on behalf of the Darwin Brewery in Crook, using a special recipe based on old-fashioned porter.

David works from Sunderland University's Brewlab, a research centre which has developed many unusual beers over the past few years as well as creating long extinct beers.

Other ales from the surrounding area have been making an appearance and include beers from Durham and High Force.

Unusual beers and ales from around the country, such as Barnstaple and Gwent, are also featured.

Tonight, there will be added entertainment in the form of a rock night.

The festival ends tomorrow, when it runs alongside a farmers' market at Bishop Auckland Market Place, from 11am to 11pm.

All sessions cost £1 except Friday which is £5 after 7pm. They are free to Camra members.