HUNDREDS of ale and cider lovers flocked to the first session of the 31st Great Swindon Beer Festival at Steam last night.

There was a repeat of sounding of the replica GWR Works hooter, created and installed last year as part of the Swindon 175 anniversary celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of the birth of the new town.

The reproduction was crafted by engineer Colin Hatch whose own pristine traction engine first powered it in March last year.

Now it is being sounded at the start of each session of Swindon and North Wiltshire Camra's beer extravaganza.

Swindon Advertiser:

Colin Hatch sounds the replica GWR Works hooter last night

The festival offers more than 100 ales and 35 ciders to thirsty punters, last year 2,200 people attending the event, which has been running since 1976 early events being staged at the Mechanics' Institute.

This year's beer festival is supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Friday daytime and Saturday daytime sessions are pay on the door, but for Friday evening people will need to pick up a ticket from either the Glue Pot, the Beehive or the Hop Inn in Devizes Road.

There are two sessions today, one from 11am until 3.30pm and from 6pm until 11pm, with one big session on Saturday from 11am until 7pm.

For more information, visit www.swindon.camra.org.uk with full report in Monday's Advertiser and online