A POPULAR winter beer festival is gearing up for its tenth year.

The Chappel Winter Beer Festival takes place at the East Anglian Railway Museum, at Wakes Colne Station at the beginning of next month.

The winter festival is a smaller version of the renowned September real ale extravaganza and is held in the goods shed at the museum, which gives the great atmosphere - and some heating.

Up to 70 real ales and a selection of ciders and perry will be available.

The festival runs from March 1-2, with live music from the Machine Shed Band and the Silburys, who play acoustic rock, prog-rock, folk covers and original music, on the Saturday.

To save time queueing and to prevent overcrowding, beer buffs need to pre-purchase their tickets for the Friday night session.

The £17 ticket includes £5 admission, a glass deposit of £2 and a sheet of beer tokens worth £10.

It costs £14 for Camra members.

Any unused tokens can be refunded as you leave.

Before 5.30pm Friday and all day on Saturday, admission is £3 or free for card-carrying Camra members.

There is also free or reduced admission for East Anglian Railway Museum members and railway season ticket holders travelling from Chappel and Wakes Colne, Bures or Sudbury stations.

The festival is open from 11am to 11pm both days. For further information, visit chappelbeerfestival.org.uk.