A BEER festival which last year raised £7,000 for North-East charities is returning for a top-up.

The Casks in the Castle festival, held in Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, last year benefited causes including The Great North Air Ambulance, the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team and Bishop Auckland General Hospital's cystic fibrosis and diabetes appeals.

Organisers Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Round Table are planning a second round for April.

Chris Robinson, of the Round Table, said: "Last year's event was a great success, and this year we'll have over 50 different beers, ciders, lagers and wines, live music and food from the chef at the castle.

"I've written to businesses in the area asking them to sponsor a beer barrel, and we also want people to donate raffle prizes. Every penny goes to charity so it's the ideal promotional opportunity."

Festival-goers supped 3,500 pints last year - leaving the barrels completely dry.

This year's festival will run from Thursday, April 19, to Saturday, April 21. For more information, call Mr Robinson on 07971-143844.