LASHINGS of real ale and plenty of live music kept punters entertained at the seventh annual Sherfield Beer Festival.

Hundreds of people came to Sherfield Village Hall, in Reading Road, to sample some of the 40 beers on offer.

Seven of the beers on tap were from Sherfield Village Brewery, including the powerful Mellivora.

Ciders and soft drinks were also available, while drinkers could line their stomach with fish and chips, a hog roast and food from the kitchen of The Four Horseshoes pub.

John Heaton, of Northfield Road, came to enjoy the day with his daughter.

The 71-year-old said: “I think it is excellent – it’s well-organised, supports good causes, there’s entertainment and the beers are good and reasonably priced.”

Heather Lawn, 57, of North View Road, Tadley, said: “It seems to be very well organised and I’ve managed to get a seat and a beer without too much trouble. I like dark beers and they have plenty of those.”

The event raises money for St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, and Sherfield Village Hall charity, which supports the building’s upkeep.

Gilly Duckworth, one of the organisers, said the event went well: “It has been another lovely day which has meant it was great for families so they could sit out in the garden and listen to the live music.

“It’s very well patronised by the village and lots of villagers come with family and friends as well.”