LOCAL charities have been given a £60,000 brewers' boost.

And now you can help the charity of your choice by supporting next month's Bent and Bongs Beer Bash.

More than £60,000 has been given to community organisations since the first bash in 1990 and now the first B & B real ale festival of the 2000s looks set to bring more rewards.

Now companies are being invited to help by sponsoring the event and nominating a local beneficiary for a share of the funds raised.

Organisers Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table are staging the beer bash on January 27, 28 and 29 at Atherton's Formby Hall.

And they want sponsors to advise them of organisation either they, or employees, support.

Festival chairman Paul Dunn says: "The way forward is to complete a sponsors form - the committee will consider all applications. "We would encourage companies to put in an amount which we would then match from funds raised.

"The main consideration is that it serves Atherton or Tyldesley, is a charitable organisation and the donation does not exceed £500.

"If your company puts in £500 then a total of £1,000 could be donated."

Two sponsor packages are available this year.

There is an £85 barrel sponsorship deal for which benefactors get 10 free entry tickets, company details in the festival programme, a sign over one of the beer barrels and a commemorative plaque.

Next is a £150 premier pact with 125 complimentary tickets, each giving a free first pint and a hot dog, company details in the programme, a barrel sign and a certificate.

There is a free beer for an hour sponsors session between 5-6pm on the opening night.

If you require more details talk to David Dobson at The Phone Store, Hindley on 01942 255224.

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