LOVERS of real ale in Mid Beds took a nostalgic pub crawl around pubs in the area on the back of a steam-driven lorry. On the opening day of National Pubs Week, the transport for the East Beds branch of The Campaign for Real Ale was provided by lorry owne

LOVERS of real ale in Mid Beds took a nostalgic pub crawl around pubs in the area on the back of a steam-driven lorry.

On the opening day of National Pubs Week, the transport for the East Beds branch of The Campaign for Real Ale was provided by lorry owner Richard Hazel and driven by Dave Roberts from Stotfold.

The eight-wheel Sentinel, built in 1934, had the ale and hearty beer lovers on the back as they steamed around the Tudor Oaks at Astwick, The Stag and The Pig and Whistle, Stotfold, The Carriage House on the A507 Meppershall, The Admiral, Clifton, and the Engineers Arms, Henlow.

Two days later the group met again at the White Horse in Broom for a quiz night and the following day it was back to the Engineers Arms where they were entertained by local breweries Potton, Old Stables, Banks & Taylor, Charles Wells and Buntingford who also took along samples of their ales.

The local branch meeting was held at The Bricklayers Arms, Potton, and the week's events finished with a trip to Theakstons Black Sheep and York breweries.

This month sees the sixth annual beer festival in Hitchin organised by Hitchin Round Table and North Herts branch of CAMRA.

The event at Hitchin Town Hall will be on Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, between 11am and 11pm and, as it falls on St Patrick's Day, will have a Celtic theme with a number of Irish cask beers.

As last year's event sold out on Saturday afternoon, the number of real ales has been increased from 40 to 50 with a good range of cider, perry and some overseas draught beer.

On the Saturday there are plans to show the six nations rugby match between England and Ireland live on a big screen.

The status of the ever-popular festival has been recognised by CAMRA who will be holding the prestigious champion beer of East Anglia tasting event.

Entry to the festival is free to card carrying CAMRA and Round Table members. Entry to non-members is £1 before 4pm and £2 afterwards.