The FAMOUS ‘Cotswold Gold’ real ale from Donnington Brewery will be re-labelled ‘Rector’s Ale’ to celebrate the inaugural Swells Beer Festival in the north Cotswolds.

The festival will be held in St Mary’s Church, Lower Swell, on Friday, June 8 from 3pm to 10pm and Saturday, June 9 from 11am to 5pm and will coincide with the annual Swells Village Fete, which will take place on the Saturday.

Rector and real ale fan, reverend Martin Short said: "We’re all big fans of Donnington ale in Stow, Condicote and Swells benefice and we’re thrilled that the brewery is backing our first Swells Beer Festival.

"Rector’s Gold’ will have the characteristic flavour of the Cotswolds with the special recommendation of the Rector himself."

Jonny Arkell, from Donnington Brewery, said: "Pubs and churches have always been at the heart of the north Cotswolds communities and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate summer than with a beer festival in a church."

There will be ten beers and ciders to sample and the festival - advised by members of the Campaign For Real Ale - will raise funds for the village churches in Lower and Upper Swell.

The Swells Beer Festival is part of the month-long Gloucester Diocese ‘Festiv-ALL’ from May 17 to June 17, celebrating the communities across Gloucestershire.

The aim is to break down barriers and help bring together people of all backgrounds.

There are numerous outside exhibitors at the fete, a fun dog show, have a go dog agility, a ukulele band and many interesting activities and stalls. The children have a bouncy castle, many games and face painting.