THE first Dudley Canals beer festival has been hailed a hit after visitors flocked to sample a variety of brews.

The event, the Dudley tunnel off Todd's End, took place between June 27 and June 29 and attracted hundreds of visitors to try more than 30 different ales, ciders and wines from around the UK.

The success surprised organisers from Dudley Canal Trust who say there are already calls for the festival to become an annual fixture on their events diary.

June Hodgetts, of Dudley Canal Trust, said: “Even the drizzle couldn’t keep people away and we were kept really busy with a flow of visitors throughout the three day festival.

“While we haven’t got a final total yet, we know the festival has made a profit which is fantastic for a first-time event, and will help boost the total towards our new Portal.

“We will certainly look to repeat the event in the future – possibly making it bigger and better next time.”