HUNDREDS of beer lovers raised a glass for the return of the Harwich Ale Trail.

The town’s annual ale trail saw a host of pubs open their arms to ale drinkers from far and wide.

The trail, which was held between May 3 and 7, encompassed pubs, breweries and cafes around Harwich and Dovercourt for the third year running.

Organisers are hoping to make the event a permanent spring fixture, to fill a gap between the other much-loved festivals in the town.

The pubs included on the trail included, the Alma Inn, the Cafe on the Pier, the Crown Post Restaurant, Globe Inn, Hanover Inn, Harwich Town Brewing Co, the New Bell Inn at Harwich, Pier Hotel, Shakers Bar, Swan House and the Stingray.

Landlord of the Alma Inn Nick May said the pub got through about 20 different types of ales throughout the event. He said: “There were loads of extra people in the town for the event and it was really great. “The weather was also really great and it made the trail good.

“The Saturday was the busiest day for us.

“I think there were 1,000 extra people who came to the town for the trail which is a few thousands more pints being pulled than normal.”

“We will be running it again next year - it is a no brainer.”