A REAL ale festival got underway to raise funds for Blackburn's £6million Youth Zone.

The Blackburn Beer Festival was held over the bank holiday weekend and was launched with the help of Thwaites’ famous shire horses, who delivered a selection of real ales to the festival ahead of the opening on Friday night.

The Blackburn-based brewing giant is supporting the event which showcased 60 real ales from across Lancashire and beyond.

Alongside their most popular ale, Wainwright’s, Thwaites also selected limited edition craft ales brewed in their Crafty Dan Brew House.

The festival was organised by a committee of local people, who wanted to bring a festival to Blackburn after visiting one in Bolton.

The event ran from 6pm on Friday until 11pm yesterday at Blackburn Rugby Club.