PUNTERS enjoyed a tipple or two in the sunshine as children played on the bouncy castle at the second Covingham Beer Festival.

Organiser Chris Smith broadened the scope of the festival by offering kid-friendly fun in the garden of St Paul's Church while the grown-ups tried the 13 ciders and 13 ales on offer.

He said: "I was a bit worried at first because we had only sold 70 tickets but it was busier than expected, even in the early afternoon the place was filling up. We broke even after an hour and the rest of the money will go back into the church and the library. I work and live in this area so I wanted to support my local community and raise money for good causes that would help people around here."

Tom Eastman brought his partner Jade, son Arnie, daughter Indy and dog Bobby to the festival. Tom said: "The kids had a great time, which is all that matters, and the weather was great.

Tom's friend Steve Mabberley said: "We were here last year and it's been great both times, you try drinks you wouldn't normally try and it's brilliant for helping community projects."

Revellers Alan Dennis and George Martin relaxed inside the community centre. Alan said: "It's excellent, events like this bring the community together. A lot of the ales were from breweries I've never heard of from all over the country."