Maldon's Swan Hotel hosted the 18th Maldon Beer & Cider festival in April, raising funds for the Campaign For Real Ale and £1,941 for Farleigh Hospice.

Maldon Town Mayor Andrew Lay officially opened the four-day event on April 25.

James Burrell-Cook, one of the organisers and landlord at the Queen Victoria in Spital Road, said: "Thank you for the fantastic support shown at the Maldon Beer & Cider Festival - raising money for both the Campaign For Real Ale and a fantastic sum for Farleigh Hospice."

The local publican said the festival's success highlighted the importance of real ale and ciders, and how pubs and clubs are crucial for thriving communities.

"It shows how festivals can help support the local economy and raise money for charity," he added.

More than 1,000 people visited the Swan Hotel Bar & Grill during the Festival, raising the "staggering amount" for Farleigh Hospice through donations, a raffle, and unused beer tokens.

The cheque was presented to Debbie De Boltz, Fundraising Manager at Farleigh Hospice, last month. She met CAMRA members at the Maldon District branch's meeting at the Constitutional Club.

Members of Limebrook u3a's Real Ale Group attended the festival to support Mike Stringer, Membership Secretary for the local CAMRA branch.

CAMRA branch meetings are held every two months at different pubs or clubs in the district. For more information, visit the CAMRA website.

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