SOME 1,500 people turned out to enjoy Otley Beer Festival last weekend - putting the annual fundraiser fully 'back on track'.

Crowds flocked to Otley Rugby Club to sample the 60-plus real ales on offer, along with ciders, perries and bottled beers, on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21.

The large crowds were a welcome sight for organisers Otley RATS (Real Ale Tasting Society), who had seen the numbers attending drop last year.

President Allan Boddy said: "It was an absolutely fantastic two days and, after what could only be described as a poor turnout last year, the numbers were well up.

"It's too early to know the exact figure but the amount we'll have raised for the church and the charities will be significantly up as well.

"It's been a terrific experience this year and we're back to where we should be.

"We had in the region of 1,400 and 1,500 through the door, with a very busy Friday night and busy right through Saturday.

"And there was one point on the Friday where we simply couldn't keep pace counting the people coming in, so we may well have missed a few!

"We had a good selection of beer and they all went well, but it usually tends to be the more unusual ones, ones you wouldn't normally see at your local, that seem to do best.

"We had an 18 gallon Elderflower which did particularly well this time, and sold out."

The festival, which invites companies, groups and individuals to join its Sponsor a Barrel scheme, raises money for a variety of good causes and Otey All Saints Parish Church each year.

The 2015 event will benefit Candlelighters, Behind Closed Doors and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Otley RATS were delighted, and surprised, to receive assistance from the latter.

Mr Boddy said: "Two of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance people came and worked on the bar for us for a good five hours on Saturday, which we've never had before!

"That was a welcome bit of help and they enjoyed themselves, too."

Among the visitors at this year's event were Otley Town Mayor, Councillor Philip Bye (Lib Dem, Prince Henry's), and MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), Honorary President of Otley Pub Club.