An estimated 1,500 people drank almost 5,000 pints of beer at a third annual beer festival this weekend.

The Epping Ongar Railway beer festival ran at the North Weald station between Friday (July 31) and Saturday, with a large selection of ales and ciders including some from nearby Moreton.

Crowds had the chance to travel on some of the heritage attraction’s vintage locomotives with extra services running all day, and entertainment was provided by live folk bands.

Business manager Dean Walton said: “We had steam trains running all day and one highlight was a band on the train going to Ongar having a big sing-song, that was good fun.

“The weather was fantastic, just right for sipping pints all day which was proven by the fact that we sold 70 casks.”

He added: “It is very definitely going to be on next year.

“It has built up in just three years to become a real prime beer festival in this part of Essex and we look forward to continuing.”