ORGANISERS are appealing for help to give Northwich festival-goers a barrel of laughs in September.

The 21st annual Northwich Beer Festival takes place on September 19 and 20 with more than 40 barrels in need of sponsors.

Mary Kenney, co-ordinator of barrel sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Northwich, said: "Sponsoring a barrel costs £95 and that represents really good value.

"In addition to the publicity and the knowledge that they're helping to support the festival and raise funds for local good causes the sponsor is entitled to up to eight tickets for any session.

"We've had lots of interest and hope that when the festival opens at 5pm on Friday , September 19, we'll see a name on every barrel."

The event is organised by theRotary Clubs of Northwich and Northwich Vale Royal, with members drawing up a list of ales for the event.

These include old favourite Wobbly Bob from brewery Phoenix, a new Phoenix ale called Sticky Wicket, Tipsy Angel's Angel's Folly, Problem Child's Scallywag and a beer from Blackjack.

Steve Wheat, chairman of the 21st Northwich Beer Festival, said: "The range of excellent beers from micro breweries continues to increase.

"We have a growing number in Cheshire and the north west and we're keen to promote them."

The festival also boast its first alcoholic Ginger Beer, Jamaican Tom from Tom Smith's, as well as ciders and perries.

It takes place at Winnington Park Recreation Club from 5pm to 11pm on Friday, September 19, and from noon to 4pm then 7pm to 11pm on Saturday, September 20.

Tickets are on sale now at Jack Gee Cycles, Cheshire West and Chester Council's Information Centre, in Chesterway, and from Winnington Park Recreation Club.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a barrel should email Northwich.b.festival@gmail.com or ring 07941 298635.