AN AWARD-WINNING real ale club is set to host its annual beer and music festival this weekend.

Egremont Rugby Union Club - fresh from being named the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Cumbria North West Club-of-the-Year - will combine ales and local music on Friday (June 17) and Saturday (June 18).

This is the fourth year the festival has been organised and it is the first time that camping has been on offer.

Over 25 real ales and four ciders will be on offer in a specially-erected 'real-ale' bar. The main club bar will also be open.

Organiser Karl Connor said: "Winning that award is such a tremendous boost for us — it is a real fillip to know that you are doing something right and that people recognise you for it.

"Our stewardess and bar staff work really hard, alongside a team of volunteers from the club membership, in order to put the festival on each year."

There will be music from Emma Dockeray, Newton Smith, and a host of other singers and bands.

"Five or six years ago our club didn't sell any real ale at all, and a couple of us who were club members and also real ale lovers lobbied to introduce it," said Karl.

"There was a reluctance, but when we did, it sold really well, and we've never looked back. We always have at least one on and usually two during the rugby season."

He added: "Several of us at the club who like real ale knew we had always had to travel out of town to enjoy a beer festival. We decided to put our own on and we've now established a slot on the real ale festival calendar."

Campers will have access to 24 hour shower and toilet facilities in the club's changing rooms.

Entry is £3.50 before 7pm and £5 after - but free at all times for CAMRA members.

For more information about camping or to discuss sponsorship packages contact Karl Connor on 07871024686.