THE PROFITS of a much-loved beer festival have all been pledged to help a life-saving sea charity.

The first Harwich lifeboat, The Braybrooke, was built back in 1821 and the bicentennial of that decision has provided both the theme and the charity for this year's CAMRA Harwich and Dovercourt Bay Winter Ale Festival.

The event, which was spread across four days last month, has resulted in £702.37 being raised for Harwich RNLI.

As a result, a cheque presentation took place at the lifeboat station, where volunteers were handed in the funds.

This year's ale festival saw visitors enjoy a wide range of real ales, ciders and perrys, as well as an international bar offering bottled beers.

Now the money raised is being put to good use.

Colin Cheesman, chairman of the Harwich Beer Festival organising committee said: “We are always very aware of how much the local economy benefits from the Harwich Beer Festival and this is another aspect of how this very popular event makes a difference.

"Those attending the festival were please to contribute to the Harwich Lifeboat and we were delighted to be able to hand over such a large sum of money to this great cause.”