BEER fans from across Essex poured into Thurrock this week to enjoy the 29th annual CAMRA Thurrock Beer Festival.

Held at the Civic Hall on Blackshots Lane, Grays, the festival has become an annual hit in the calendar of beer enthusiasts.

Real ale, cider, perry cider and country wine is on offer to festival-goers from Tuesday, June 2 to Saturday, June 6 with more than 155 different styles and blends to choose from.

Admission is free from Tuesday to Friday lunch time, costing £2 on Thursday night, £4 on Friday night and £2 all day Saturday.

The rock band Undercover take centre stage on Friday night and give way to Rumford Morris Men, Tin Soldier & Fab Club and Squabbler, who top the bill on Saturday.

Festival organiser, Helen Turnnidge, 36, of Grays, said: “We have got more beer from Essex breweries than any other year and are expecting 800 people on Friday night.

“This year’s special which is has been brewed exclusively for us is “Fawlty Towers and at 4.1 per cent and costs £2.40 a pint.”

Beer manager, Simon Harrison, 33, of Feenan Highway, Tilbury, added: “The weather is good and everything is going well.

“Many of the beers have been supplied by the Olly Graham at the Crouchvale Brewery in South Woodham Ferrers and my beer team are doing a great job preventing anyone from getting thirsty.”