An impressive range of Norfolk-brewed beer and cider was lined up for a festival over the Easter weekend.

An impressive range of Norfolk-brewed beer and cider was lined up for a festival over the Easter weekend.

The Lakenham/Hewett Rugby Club hosted its 2nd all Norfolk Beer and Cider Festival, which featured 32 cask ales from 22 of Norfolk's 28 breweries and six different ciders from four cider makers.

Ian Paterson, bar manager at the club's ground in Norwich Road near Swardeston, said the event was partly about fundraising, but more importantly about building team spirit and inviting the community into the club.

He said: 'I think people around the area who have come in have been pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere they have found in the club.

'Other people have come in and been really surprised at the variety and range of beers within the county of Norfolk.'

The Evening News launched its Love Your Local campaign in recognition of the community role played by pubs, including sports clubs, and it encourages readers to support these often struggling venues.

The festival also involved a light-hearted Tag Rugby Tournament, which was won by one of the club's own teams.

Mr Paterson said among the first beers to sell out was Beeston Brewery's Afternoon Delight and one of the sweeter ciders, made by Whin Hill Cider in Wells, was also very popular.