BEER lovers flocked to a craft beer festival in Weymouth to raise glass in memory of a local resident.

The festival took place at the Wyke Smugglers pub last weekend despite the cold weather, and was held in memory of Mark Martin on what would have been his 41st birthday.

Mark died aged 36, of glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive cancer which starts in the brain, following a brave battle against the disease.

The festival helped to raise a significant amount of money for the charity Brain Tumour Support, which helped support Mark during his illness.

Elaine Milton, one of the event’s organisers, said a total of £1,850 has been raised.

She added: “Mark would have loved it and would have been overjoyed that we organised it, and that it was such a success.

“It was really great to see all the customers enjoying the craft beers. Everyone had a glass in their hand and people came from all over the place to try the beers.”

Twelve casks and five kegs were on offer, and brewers featured include Verdant, Wild Weather, Elusive Brewing, Odyssey, Tempest and Vibrant Forest as well as popular local brews from Cerne Abbas, Eight Arch and The Way Outback.

Steve Smith, who attended the beer festival, said: “It has been great. I really like the atmosphere and there has been a good turnout, especially for such a cold day. I think there’s at least as many people here as there was for the summer beer festival. It’s also for a good cause. There is always something good happening at this pub, and it’s good to see independent breweries having the opportunity to make their products known.”

Neil Goddard, who travelled to the beer festival from Berkshire, said: “This beer festival has a lot of unusual beers on offer that you wouldn’t usually get in Weymouth. Elaine has put together a really good beer list and it’s all for a good cause.”

Rhos Thompson, landlord of the Wyke Smugglers, said he was delighted to welcome the festival to the pub.

He explained: “I am friends with Elaine and her mates. I met them at the summer beer festival and they approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s a good cause and is in memory of a local bloke.”

who everyone respected.

“I wanted to help them try and achieve what they want to do, and be there for them.”