Three local breweries are taking part in the annual Tyneside and Northumberland Battle of the Beers Competition which takes place next Wednesday on the first day of the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival, held at Northumbria Students Union.

Grounding Angels, Hexhamshire, and Twice Brewed are among 22 regional breweries, which have brewed either a black IPA or a flavoured stout for the competition.

Martin Ellis from CAMRA said: “The competition is probably the most prestigious award in the local brewing scene, which now has around 50 breweries.”

“The winning beer often becomes added to the core range of the brewers portfolio. Festival goers are eager to taste the winning beer, on announcement a queue of drinkers form at the bar, keen to get a taste before it sells out!”

The festival runs until Saturday teatime and opens and 6.00 on Wednesday, April 10th. It is run by volunteers from the Tyneside & Northumberland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.