REAL ale fans will be able to sample more than 25 brews as an annual Halesowen winter beer festival marks its 17th year.

A range of ciders and country fruit wines will also feature in the four-day event at the Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club, which kicks off next Thursday (January 23).

Event organiser Nick Jones, who manages the social club in Stewarts Road which has just been named West Midlands CAMRA Regional Club of the Year 2019, said the festival had grown to be one of biggest in area.

He said: “It is always a great event and we expect another busy occasion, especially with the live entertainment on the Friday and Saturday evenings."

Entertainment on Friday night will be provided by local band Legend, with another local act The Shambolic entertaining revellers on Saturday.

Both shows will start from 9pm.

The festival starts at 6pm on the Thursday and ends at 5pm on Sunday.

The sports and social club is celebrating winning its regional club of the year award from CAMRA.

At the recent Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA branch meeting, Tony Morgan, branch secretary, said “This is excellent news, since the club came top of the list, beating many strong contenders for this well-deserved prestigious award.

"We hope to present the trophy and award to the club on Thursday 23 January 23 at 8pm at their annual beer festival”.

Nick said: "We have won the local Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA award for the last three years - so this is obviously a step up so we are really happy about it."

Fixed Wheel brewery in Blackheath also won awards for its Blackheath Stout, Mild Concussion and No Brakes IPA beers at the event.