PINT glasses are at the ready for the return of the annual Bents and Bongs Beer Festival.

Organisers say the biggest celebration of all things brewed in Atherton promises to be the best yet.

More than 80 real ales, perries and ciders will be available to enjoy alongside live music from the likes of Juke Box Heroes and Run Out the Guns at Formby Hall over three days.

Organiser Sarah Bellis said: “The festival is the biggest thing that happens in Atherton and it has been getting bigger every year.

“This year we have chosen Atherton and Leigh foodbank as our charity and if we raise the usual amount we will break the £400,000 barrier.”

The festival will be opened on January 30 by BBC Radio broadcaster Allan Beswick and the mysterious Mrs Otto will be on hand to recommend the best of the bunch.

“All the volunteers like beer though so I am sure they will be happy to make their own recommendations too,” added Sarah.

The Thursday has a 60s theme and £1 will be taken off the £5 entry fee for anyone in Beatles fancy dress between 6pm and 11pm.

Entry for the Friday night is £7 and is often the busiest night so the opening times have been extended from 4pm until 11pm.

The two sessions on Saturday, February 1, will cost £6 and are from 12pm until 4pm and 7pm to 11pm.

On entry, each person will be handed a glass which is theirs to keep – but there are no spares.