THE Stourbridge and Halesowen branch of The Campaign for Real Ale is inviting beer fans to raise a glass this Cask Ale Week.

CAMRA has long supported Cask Ale Week, which invites pubs and pubgoers to choose cask-conditioned ale and aims to promote locally produced cask ale.

This year's initiative is already underway and runs until Sunday October 3.

Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA branch press officer, Steve Pratt, said: “Our pubs are the home of cask ale, and along with social clubs and brewery taprooms, have struggled during the pandemic.

"Cask Ale Week is a wonderful opportunity for folks to come and celebrate all that is great about our local pubs, communities and breweries. We encourage publicans and breweries to take advantage of the campaign, encouraging people back into their venues and experience the joy of raising a glass of cask ale together.”

The local CAMRA branch has also produced guides, listing the pubs that serve cask ale and range of beers on offer.

Available on the CAMRA branch website https://stourhales.camra.org.uk and Facebook page, the guides cover Stourbridge, Amblecote, Halesowen (Short Cross), Lye and Shell Corner, and show more than 130 beers available in more than 30 pubs and brewery taps.

CAMRA chief executive, Tom Stainer, said: "Pubs matter and are a vital part of our communities up and down the country.

"What’s more, the pub is the only place you can get fresh cask ale from your local brewery. We are urging everyone to celebrate Cask Ale Week in style, by getting back down to their local pub, social club or brewery taproom and enjoying a pint of cask ale.”