Selby's first beer festival is virtually a sell-out as punters queue up to sample more than 50 real ales.

More than 200 people were at Scott Road Community Centre for the first session last night, which was opened by Selby MP John Grogan.

Organiser Ian Murray, landlord of the Wheatsheaf at Burn, said: "Last night was supposed to be a dress rehearsal, but it went beyond all our expectations.

"There was a steady stream of people all evening and they were very knowledgeable about beers.

"Buckles of Selby put on a hog roast and were so busy they ran out of food."

He added: "There are only a few tickets still available at the door this evening, and it's a similar story tomorrow."

Organisers have installed a 36ft long bar in the centre's main hall, with volunteer staff pulling real ale from 53 casks.

The volunteer bar staff are a mixture of regulars from the Wheatsheaf and parents of Selby RUFC under-11 players.

Mr Murray and co-organiser Mark Kenworthy, plan to make a donation from the festival proceeds towards the rugby club's historic trip to Twickenham on May 27.

The under-11s have made it through to the Scottish Amicable national junior rugby final at "Headquarters", where it will be a curtain-raiser to the England v Barbarians game.

Mr Murray said: "The volunteer staff did a tremendous job last night and deserve a big thank-you."

Visitors also have the opportunity to taste wine from Australia, Chile, Italy and California - courtesy of Peter Carriss, who has opened his own micro-winery in Selby.

The festival continues this evening between 7pm and 11pm, and tomorrow's sessions are 11.30am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11pm.

Entry is £3, for which punters get a brochure and a half-pint commemorative beer glass engraved with the Selby crest.

For further details telephone 01757 270614.

Updated: 15:17 Friday, April 20, 2001