Pints were flowing as hundreds of real ale lovers sampled the brews on offer at the first day of Bristol Beer Festival.

The annual event, which continues today at the Brunel Passenger Shed, Temple Meads, sold out with thousands of tickets bought well in advance. The festival is organised and run by unpaid volunteers from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

Richard Brooks, from Southville, who is chairman of the Bristol branch of Camra, said: "The festival is always really popular because it's always an excellent event.

"It's a combination of the real ale, which is a fantastic drink, and the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the customers."

There are about 120 real ales and 40 ciders and perries on offer to budding connoisseurs and this year the festival features pint glasses with half pint and third pint measure lines.

This year, for the first time, the festival includes a separate "LocAle" bar to promote beer brewed in Bristol and the surrounding area.