Visitors to Bradford Beer Festival will be invited to raise a pint to the district's Capital of Culture bid.

Organisers are putting Bradford's traditional pub culture on the map with a new beer specially brewed to commemorate Saltaire - home of the festival.

And the beer has been named by Telegraph & Argus reader Brian Mitchell, who came up with Salt's Heritage Ale.

The name was chosen, following a report in the T&A, by organisers and staff at Salamander Brewery, which is making the new beer. It will be served at the festival which runs from tomorrow to Saturday.

"We were delighted with the entries that came in," said festival spokesman Kerr Kennedy.

"We thought a Saltaire beer would mark Saltaire's World Heritage status and Brian's entry seemed most appropriate.

"And as we are very much behind the Capital of Culture bid - and see the beer festival as a big part of Bradford's cultural life - we thought it would be a great way to promote the district. What better way than with a pint of real ale?"

The beer festival, which attracts thousands of people from across the country, promotes traditionally-made cask-conditioned ale. There will be more than 100 real ales from across Britain and other countries on sale, as well as fruit wines and cider.

To give the event a European feel, in line with Bradford's bid to be a cultural capital of Europe, the festival will accept the euro as currency.

Launched nearly 30 years ago, it is a highlight of Bradford's cultural calendar and a renowned tourist attraction. Sponsored by Market Town Taverns PLC, it celebrates pub culture and quality of choice.

"It's about providing good naturally-made beer in the face of global branding, giving people more choice," said Kerr.

"Bradford has always enjoyed a lively pub culture, built up around quality beers, and the festival highlights this.

"Pubs have always been meeting places, bringing people together from different communities. That's what the culture bid is all about."

The festival has almost sold out. For remaining tickets ring Kerr on (01274) 735875.