This year’s St Albans Beer Festival has been named the most successful yet, with more than 10,000 visiting over the weekend.

Thousands of real ale lovers descended on the Alban Arena to taste more than 400 beers and ciders.

Philip Defriez, who organises the event, said: "Everything went really well.

"The feedback has been really positive. "Everyone seemed to be having a really good time."

An estimated 35,000 pints were sold over the four-day festival, which began at 11am last Wednesday.

Mr Defriez added: "There seemed to be more young people there this year which is really good.

"Introducing new people to real ale is what it is all about."

During the festival a panel of judges gave out awards to some of the best beers on offer.

The prize for Beer of the Year went to Dream Catcher, while the Hertfordshire prize went to Red Squirrel.