CHARITIES are to benefit from a real ale festival in Denby Dale.

Members of Denby Dale Lions Club are to stage the annual event on March 7 and 8 at the village’s Pie Hall – when brews with names such as Jack O’Legs, Hannibal Nectar, Moonshine and Well Blathered will be among 18 ales available to sample.

The festival runs from 7.30 to 11pm on Friday, March 7, and from 1.30 to 11pm on Saturday, March 8. Admission is £5 which includes the first drink and a commemorative glass.

Entertainment on Friday evening will be provided by Shelley Music Centre Big Band. Revellers will be able to watch televised Six Nations rugby on Saturday afternoon and listen to jazz ensemble Winston’s Wonder Band in the evening.

Lions spokesman Linton Bentley said the club hoped to raise about £2,000 for charity with this year’s event.