HOT on the heels of carnival week and with the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta only a few weeks away, the Lions Club of Tavistock is introducing a new event into its very busy programme.

On Saturday August 7 from noon to 10pm, the Lions are staging the Westcountry Ale Festival at the Red and Black Club, Langsford Park.

It is the first time that the club has organised such an event and the members are hoping that it will become an annual feature in the Tavistock calendar.

There will be 21 beers to choose from at the festival. Breweries represented are: Dorset Brewing Co., Royal Clarence Hotel, Keltek Brewery, Cheddar Ales, Forge Brewery, Exmoor Ale, Dartmoor Brewery, Branscombe Vale, Palmers Brewery, Box Steam Brewery, Skinners and Arbor Ales.

The Red and Black Club has been chosen for the venue as it is close to town, but in order to promote the 'don't drink and drive' message, a regular mini bus service to the bus station and Bedford Square will be provided by DAC Coaches.

The first fixture of the season for Tavistock AFC will be on the same day against newly promoted St Austell.

Admission to the festival will be £5 for which everyone will receive a programme with detailed notes on the ales and breweries that are represented and a lucky number for the draw. It will also include a specially engraved pint commemorative glass marked to enable the beers to be sampled in smaller measures. Ales will be £2.50 a pint and food, St Austell ales and soft drinks will all be available from the Red and Black Club bar.

As with all Lions' events, the profits made will go to local organisations and charities. Further information can be found at http://www.tavistocklions.org.uk">www.tavistocklions.org.uk or by phoning 0845 8334807.