NORTH West breweries are joining forces for the first Boothstown Beer Festival where drinkers will help boost the Poppy Appeal fund.

The venue is the Royal British Legion Club in Victoria Street where 25 beers, plus ciders and perries will also help raise money for the Boothstown Branch of the British Legion.

Festival organiser Gordon Robinson said: “We are surrounded by award winning beers and breweries. The diverse and varied festival line-up is exclusively North West beer, from light golden and hoppy pale ales to malty bitters, robust stouts and porters.”

Brews include those from Allgates, Wigan and George Wright (St Helens). The 4T’s Brewery from Runcorn will offer a 4.9% beer called Red & HPoppy and head brewer, John Wilkinson, will donate £10 from the sale of each cask directly to the Poppy Appeal.

A special cider, Welsh Warrior, has been made to raise money for a charity set up by Hazel Hunt , who's son, Richard was the 200th soldier to die in Afghanistan in 2009 at the tender age of 21. A royalty is paid to Hazel's charity on all sales of Welsh Warrior.

The festival will be staffed by volunteers who will be on hand to offer expert advice and recommendations as well as information about the brewing process. Home made food will be available, plus live music at the festival which runs from 7pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17.

The festival is open on 16th and 17th of November from 7pm till 11pm. Entry to the Festival is £4 included a programme with tasting notes and a souvenir glass.