BREWERS behind some of the area's most popular tipples are gathering in Lancaster tomorrow (Friday) to give drinkers a taste of their creations.

Regulars and first-timers to the city's Waterwitch will also be able to quiz those responsible for some of the guest ales from 6pm.

Three men, serving in the Forces, thought up the 'Meet the Brewer' event as part of their training for national licensee and British Institute of Innkeeping certificates.

Richard West, who usually serves in Plymouth, said the trio had been challenged to stage a promotional event, and decided to heighten awareness of the ales on offer.

"The Waterwitch campaigns for traditional ales and we wanted to raise awareness of them and highlight that they are important to the local community."

The other organisers are Stephen Harrison, who left his Paderborn barracks in Germany to undertake training, and Paul Cashing, from RAF Waddington in Lincs.

Paul says the trio went to the Heysham-based Bryson's Brewery, which is responsible for local bevvies such as Barrow's Bitter, to brew some Shifting Sands, which will be among the offerings over the bar on Friday.

"This is to help raise awareness of real ales," he says. "It is a bit different and people can come down and talk to brewers. It should be good fun."