Raise a glass to top British beer

BEER fans in south-west France who miss the traditional British pint of real ale can sample more than a dozen varieties at a festival on the outskirts of Toulouse this month.

The seventh annual British Beer Festival at the Carpe Diem in Cornerbarrieu (31) runs from March 11 to 13 - and coincides with the Ireland-Wales and Scotland-England Six Nations rugby fixtures on Saturday afternoon.

Organisers Bill Pratt and Jeff Burridge hope to match last year’s selection of about 15 real ales and British ciders from the UK and tasting notes are provided.

To find out more about the event and how to attend, see the website at www.freewebs.com/beerfestival