A PUB welcomed hundreds of visitors this weekend to its first ever charity beer festival.

The Horse and Groom pub, in Rayne Road, Braintree, had several hundred visitors between Friday and Sunday as it opened its doors to raise money for the Essex Air Ambulance.

The event featured real ales, a barbecue, face painting and live music from local bands, including; Solar 9, Penny Fools, Rev2, Storm, Hedgehog, Stents, Ironheart and Crusader.

Kevin Brookes, pub manager, said: "We had a brilliant weekend, especially considering it's the first time we've done it.

"Friday started off with a local band and they got lots of support and on the Saturday we had another local guy who did some renditions.

"Overall it was great. A guy from Essex Air Ambulance is coming down to count up how much money is in the buckets but they feel quite good.

"There was someone here from the charity all weekend and we had someone doing facepainting too.

"It was exceptional. There was a marquee in the car park and we had people in two bars and the restaurant so there were hundreds here.

"We got a lot of positive feedback and the staff all worked really hard from 12noon until midnight.

"Everyone enjoyed themselves."

The pub is already looking to run the popular event next year and will announce the total amount raised within the next few days.