DRINKERS will be able to raise a glass or two when Stourbridge Beer Festival gets underway this week.

This year's festival takes place at Stourbridge Town Hall and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The event is organised by the Stourbridge and Halesowen branch of CAMRA.

Spokesman Simon Hanson said: "This year we've got 100 real ales and another 32 ciders and perrys."

The festival opens to the public on Thursday from 7pm to 11pm and then from noon to 11pm on Friday.

It also runs from noon to 9pm on Saturday, or until the beer runs out.

Last year's festival attracted over 2,000 visitors and organisers anticipates this week's event will break all records and advise people arrive early to avoid the queues.

Every local brewery has been invited to provide at least two real ales, including newcomers Fixed Wheel from Blackheath and Pig Iron of Brierley Hill.