REAL ale lovers have a treat in store when beer festival organisers roll out the barrel for charity.

The 16th Bent and Bongs Beer Bash begins on Thursday night at Atherton's Formby Hall, with proceeds going to Asian tsunami relief, as well as Wigan and Leigh Hospice and other local charities.

The event, organised by the Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table, runs until Saturday.

More than 80 types of ale are promised, including 20 types of winter beer, plus a dozen different ciders. Opening times are: Thursday night 6pm to 11pm; Friday, 5pm to 11pm; Saturday noon to 4pm, and 7pm to 11pm .