MORE than 80 different beers and ciders from around the world were enjoyed at the opening of the eighth Accrington Beer Festival.

The annual event, held in Accrington town hall, will run until tomorrow with afternoon and evening sessions.

The opening event was a quiet affair with good food and a choice of real ale, cider and bottled beers to wash it down with but there are also live bands in the evenings to keep the masses entertained.

Friday night is country and western with Western Union and tomorrow will include the Ossy Cloggers and Gone Beggin.

Admission to the festival, jointly organised by Hyndburn Leisure Services and the East Lancashire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, ranges from free to £2.50 and includes a children's room until 8pm each day.

Opening times are: today - noon until 4pm then 6 until 11; Saturday - noon until 5 then 6 until 11. For details call 01254 380293.