Beer connoisseurs who turned out in force to sample real ale, cider and perry at Ilkley Beer Festival have helped organisers raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

The successful festival, organised by Ilkley Round Table, attracted more than 2,500 people at the Kings Hall and Winter Garden, Station Road, Ilkley, on February 7 and 8.

Over the four sessions, 18,000 pints were consumed, along with more than 3,500 plus pies and pasties.

Ilkley’s newest brewery, Wharfedale Brewery, housed at the back of the Flying Duck pub in Church Street, launched a tribute ale in celebration of Geoffrey Vere, one of the town’s most community-focused people.

The beer, described as a premium, golden pale ale is called Sir Geoff – the nickname given to the fundraising stalwart by Round Table members.

And the Leeds Male Voice Choir on Saturday afternoon was well received in the Winter Gardens and a brass band on Friday and Saturday night also went down a storm.

Daniel Gray, of Ilkley Round Table said: “The Round Table would just like to say a big thank you to the people of Ilkley in supporting this event and to all those people who gave their time and effort in helping to organise the festival.

“Many, many people help in building and staffing the event. Without all this support the festival wouldn't be possible.”

The festival is the Round Table’s biggest annual fundraiser, collecting money for local causes.

Although it will be a while before the books are balanced, organisers expect to have raised in the order of £40,000.

Ilkley Round Table has approved funding for many good causes, including £600 towards a baby sling “library” in Ilkley, where baby carriers are hired out to parents; £750 to Ilkley Good Neighbours for their over-90s party and parcels; £6,500 to LS29 to pay for specialist equipment for youngsters with disabilities and summer outings for the children and £4,000 to Otley and District Riding for the Disabled.

To apply for a share of the funds e-mail: communityservice@ilkley roundtable.org.uk All applications will be considered by Ilkley Round Table.