A range of regional real ales were served up at a south Norfolk village yesterday for the opening of an inaugural beer festival.

Ten different brews were on offer at the Pennoyer Centre in Pulham St Mary, which is holding its first beer festival since its opening last year.

The event, which will continue between 11am and 10pm today, has been organised by officials at the centre and the Friends of Pulham Primary School.

The festival will feature ales mostly from craft breweries in the region. There are new versions of almost-forgotten products such as mild and representatives of citrus style bitters pioneered by micro brewers as well as the more traditional full bodied beers.

Simon Jamieston, one of the organisers, said the event will help raise money for the Friends group and the Pennnoyer Centre, which is a registered charity.

'We have beers that range from a 2.8pc bitter to a really dark traditional mild and all points in between. It is completely different to what we normally do, but hopefully it will become a regular part of our events calendar,' he said.

Entrance is free. For more information, visit www.pennoyers.org.uk