AN Allendale brewery took 3rd place at an annual competition.

Allendale Brew Co was among the breweries recognised at the opening of the 45th Newcastle Beer and Cider festival and Battle of the Beers.

The competition invites every cask-producing brewery in Tyneside and Northumberland to brew a new beer to compete.

Allendale's Stock Ale, brewed in 2014 with hints of dried fruit and sherry, placed third in the category Red Ales.

Tyneside and Northumberland CAMRA branch chair Paul Hillhouse said: "It is amazing to see the local brewers support this festival so kindly and we hope to keep supporting them in return.

"The categories really created a wide range of beers that showcase the wide and diverse range of breweries we have in this region.

"From larger breweries to farmhouse-style breweries to student-led micros, we have an amazing beer scene in the North East and we couldn't be prouder of the beers produced."