FINISHING touches are being put to Britain's second oldest beer festival which kicks off in Canterbury at the end of the month.

Now in its 28th year, the Kent Beer Festival, which usually attracts more than 6,000 drinkers is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale.

It runs from July 25 to 27 at Merton Farm, Canterbury. Drinkers can expect to try more than 120 real ales and ciders. A free shuttle bus service will operate from Canterbury bus station but there will be basic camping facilities available on site.

Live music from local bands is on offer at all sessions except the Friday lunchtime and a variety of Kentish food from cheese to award-winning curry is available.

The Kent Beer Festival is keen to promote the county's rich brewing heritage and a separate bar will feature beer from Kent's 10 independent breweries - at the first festival in 1975 there were only two breweries featured.There is also a cider bar selling Kentish cider.

For further information visit www.kentbeerfestival.co.uk

Tickets are on sale by post from 42 Orchard Street, Canterbury, CT2 8AP.

They cost £5 and cheques should be made payable to CAMRA Kent Beer Festival and enclose a SAE.