The East Hants branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) has presented awards to some of its favourite pubs and bars.

On April 26 branch chair Shirley Hawley gave its Pub of the Year award to Chloe Watson, landlady of The Railway Arms near Alton station.

The judges said: “This Triple fff pub - a regular in CAMRA's national Good Beer Guide - always has the brewery's beers, in tip-top condition, plus real ciders from Seacider of East Sussex and often guest ales from the likes of Dorking and Fuller's.”

Shirley was also on duty on April 30 to award Luke and Becca Cassidy, who own Cassidy's Bar in Alton High Street, the East Hants Cider Pub of the Year accolade on the opening evening of their second Cider and Perry Festival.

The judges said: “This vibrant town centre bar always has four real ciders available but there will be up to 12 in the coming weeks while stocks last.”

Shirley also presented local cider producers Roy Waby and William Selborne of Blackmoor Estates with a silver medal certificate for their Flash Pond Perry from the Gosport Winterfest XXX at the end of February. This perry was one of those available at the Cassidy's festival.

Real ale lovers will be able to indulge their passion when the Alton Summer Beer Festival comes to Alton College on May 30 and 31.

The event will start with a quiet session between midday and 4pm on May 30, followed by an evening session from 7pm to 11pm on May 30 and an all-day session on May 31 from 11am to 6pm. For tickets visit https://www.altonbeerfestival.org.uk/

The Ten Tun Tap House will host the Altonian Beer Bash at Alton Community Centre on August 2 from 2pm to 10pm. For tickets visit https://www.tentuntaphouse.beer/