REAL ale experts downed pints and raised £300 for an African school.

The beer tasting night at the Good Samaritan, Peel Brow, Ramsbottom, was the latest fundraising effort for a school in Wattville, South Africa.

Five guest ales received the seal of approval from CAMRA experts, including national judge Graham Chinn.

Organiser Noelene Searles said: "There was a really nice atmosphere. It was a lovely night."

She started her fundraising efforts after visiting the school during a trip to see her daughter in South Africa. She has established links between the South African School and Peel Brow Primary School, where she runs an after school club, allowing pupils to send each other pictures and video messages.

She said: "Quite a few children in Wattville have Aids.

"Their parents have died and they live with other relatives. But they still go to school. That's their anchor.

"I was shocked by the conditions and lack of resources I saw when I first visited the school. Fortunately things are getting better and I've been able to see improvements in more recent visits. We don't raise huge funds but everything we can offer is very gratefully received. "