The 34th Norwich Beer Festival has proven successful with queues snaking away from St Andrew's Hall and Blackfriars Hall all week.

Every lunchtime and evening session from Monday to Saturday was popular with thousands of punters keen to enjoy their favourite tipple.

The festival, which was organised by the Norwich and Norfolk Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), had more than 200 cask-conditioned real ales from Britain's independent brewers on sale, with more than 30 ciders and perries.

Camra branch vice-chairman Martin Ward said: 'I think overall it went very well considering the current economic climate in terms of people's spending power.'

Mr Ward said they were yet to count up the official attendance, but he thought it was on a par with last year.

He said: 'People were certainly enjoying themselves and we have a lot of positive feedback on the quantity and quality range of beers available.'

This year's Beer of the Festival went to Darwins Origin, from Salopian Brewery, in Shropshire. The silver went to Ginger Doodle Stout, from Binghams Brewery, in Berkshire, and the bronze award went to Norwich's Fat Cat Brewery's Cougar.

The festival helped to support the national Camra campaign, as well as Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Unthank Road, Norwich, which provides specialist palliative care, advice and support for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Are you organising a big event in Norwich? Contact reporter Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk