TAPS were pulled and flagons filled as ale drinkers descended on a Furness town for an annual beer festival.

More than a dozen cask ales, beers and ciders were on hand ready to be served at the third Dalton Beer Festival.

The event, at Chequers Hotel, promised to be the biggest and best yet, capitalising on a revival in the craft brewing industry.

As the sound of clinking glasses filled the air, Charlotte Benn, manager at Chequers, declared herself delighted with the turnout this year.

She said: "This year I was quite shocked with the turn out. There is a different crowd here. This festival is for everybody. It's not just for people who drink real ale and cider, there is a younger crowd here."

Chequers hired the services of the Furness Campaign for Real Ale to install the casks, and work behind the bar.

Stephen 'Lou' Lewis of Camra said: "This year we've increased the amount (of drinks) by 60 per cent. It's a good start so far, it's looking quite busy, and the weather is nice, that's always going to help."

All of the alcohol on tap was brewed locally, within 30 miles of Dalton.

Mr Lewis added: "It's nice to get people drinking real ale, drinking the good stuff."

Also in attendance was Phil Siddall, 63, the official Dalton Ale Taster.

Appointed to the role last year, his enviable responsibility is to tour the local pubs, and crown one lucky establishment as the best pub in Dalton.

This year, Chequers was runner up, and Mr Siddall was on hand to present their award. He said: "I've spent 40, 45 years drinking real ale, and it's great to see that they've got more people in this year."

Brewers from across the area are represented at the festival, from Ambleside to Ulverston. This year a special brew is on tap, 'Tru Grit', normally found only in the Stan Laurel pub in Ulverston. For each pint of Tru Grit sold, 20p will go towards the charity fundraising efforts of Paul and Trudi Dewar, the pub's owners.

The event has attract not only first timers, but veteran ale festival patrons.

Les Potter, 41, from Barrow, proudly said this was the eighth beer festival he had attended this year.

He was enthusiastic about festivals such as the Dalton one, as they support local brewers.

He said: "It's nice that the beers are all local. What would be great is if it could be expanded."

Dalton mayor Nick Perie also voiced his support for the venture, saying events like this are important at putting Dalton on the map.

He said: "Thank you to Charlotte for hosting this event yet again, I think the thought is fantastic and getting more and more popular each year."

The festival continues today from noon to 12am. Admission is free.

See more pictures from the Beer Festival online at www.nwemail.co.uk.