ONE of the south west’s most popular independent beer festivals turned on the tap for thousands of ale fans in and around Newton Abbot this week.

All paths led to Tuckers Maltings in the town where some 25,000 pints are expected to be tucked away over the three-day bonanza which poured forth on Thursday (April 14) and is due to finish today (April 16).

The opening day saw judges pick the best of the bunch to go through to the UK finals in Sheffield next year.

Guy Sheppard, chairman of organisers SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers): ‘Back in 1993 I was one of the SIBA brewers in the south west who was involved in the setting up and running of the first Tuckers Maltings Beer Festival which is now the best festival of south western beers to be found in the UK.

‘That first competition went on to form the basis of beer competitions held throughout the country by SIBA. Now called The Independent Beer Awards they have become one of the most sought after and respected awards in the UK.’

The Newton Abbot competition is the first of the 2016 round of regional competitions.

Tuckers Maltings Beer Festival will be showcasing more than 270 beers from across the region.

Last year’s event saw 24,000 pints downed by 5,500 thirsty visitors.