A VILLAGE pub is holding its annual cider festival to raise money for good causes.

Fourteen traditional ciders and perrys from all over the country will be available for drinkers to sample at the sixth annual festival hosted by the Crown Inn, at Manfield, near Darlington.

The festival begins today and will last through the weekend.

As well as the ciders, there will also be eight real ales available.

Proceeds from the festival will go to St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, and also help local cancer sufferer Adam Gedye.

There will also be music over the weekend from Gilling Gig on Tour, the Exploding Buddahs, the Blind Boys of Richmond and tribute band the Spirit Levellers.

The festival starts at 5pm this evening where there will be food available.

Tomorrow, from noon, there will be beef and pork buns available. On Sunday, between 1pm and 4pm, there will be a barbecue where people can bring their own food.

Licensee Peter Hynes said: "There will be raffles and tombolas over the weekend and all the bands are playing free of charge.

"It's all for a good cause and hopefully it will be a good time and the weather will stay fair."

Entrance to the festival is free.