DRINKERS in Cleobury Mortimer have had a long wait but its beer festival is back.

After a gap of 10 years, a two-day festival will take place to mark St George’s Day and organisers hope it will become an annual event.

“Nothing is more English than a good pint of beer and so we decided to make the link,” said Graham Pain, one of the organisers.

Nine local breweries have been invited, along with Robinsons Cider in Tenbury.

Up to 500 people are expected at the event, at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25.

There will be sausages, cheese and bread from South Shropshire at the event, which will also showcase top quality local food as well as drink. ‘Meet the brewer’ sessions are also planned.

“A reputation for good food and drink is one of the attractions of this area and we want to do what we can to promote this,” said Graham.

Visitors have already booked into local hotels, pubs and guest houses, as well as in the holiday homes at the golf club. A taxi shuttle has been organised between the golf club and the town.

“We hope that the beer festival will bring people into the area and see all the good things that it has to offer. If we give the local economy a boost and introduce new people to Cleobury Mortimer and south Shropshire, that will be great,” said Graham.