BEER enthusiasts are descending on the University of Bolton Stadium tomorrow for the 25th Bolton Beer Festival in aid of Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

The event runs until Saturday, with more than 200 real ales, lagers, ciders, gin, wine and Prosecco on the menu for the expected 7,000 visitors.

Clive Nightingale, founder of the Bolton Beer Festival, said: "It is great to see the festival go from strength to strength after it started all those years ago.

"It is the biggest social event in the Bolton calendar. It is fantastic craic, and we have hundreds of different beers which people can try.

"Everyone can come down and enjoy themselves and at the same time raise lots of money for a good cause."

All funds are directly donated to Bolton Lads & Girls Club, which is the only beneficiary of the event

For the first time organisers are also providing a coach shuttle service with return journeys between the stadium and The Sweet Green Tavern in Crook Street, Bolton, available from £2.

As well as a huge variety of drinks on offer, there will be entertainment, including live music, to add to the atmosphere at the festival.

The event is one of the year's biggest fund raisers for the Lads and Girls Club, with local businesses joining in by sponsoring displays.

Kelly McFadden, fundraising manager for the club, said: “All the money will go back into the core services at the club.

"It's getting bigger and bigger every year, which is obviously great for the beer festival and great for us.

“We are grateful to everyone for the continual support we receive every year.”

Anyone wanting to attend can book their tickets by visiting the Beer Festival website at www.beer-festival.co.uk.