Organisers of the Bradford Beer Festival are putting the district on the map as a capital of pub culture, by introducing a new beer commemorating Saltaire's World Heritage status.

And Telegraph & Argus readers are being asked to come up with a name for the beer!

The festival team is backing Bradford's Capital of Culture bid by promoting the district's cultural links with pubs.

"Pub culture has been around for centuries - beer was our staple drink before tea and coffee," said festival spokesman Kerr Kennedy.

"Many Bradford pubs - like the Melborne Hotel, Cock and Bottle and New Beehive - are historic places long associated with quality beers. Pubs are our culture."

Launched 28 years ago, Bradford's Beer Festival has been held in Saltaire for the past five years.

"Saltaire is a wonderful part of Bradford's heritage and its World Heritage status is fantastic," said Kerr. "We wanted to mark this with a special Saltaire beer and Bradford brewery, Salamander Brewing Company, is making it for us. Now it's up to T&A readers to come up with a suitable name."

Bradford Beer Festival, which attracts thousands of people from across Britain, goes hand-in-hand with Bradford's historic pub culture by promoting traditionally-made cask-conditioned ale. The festival also highlights issues such as licensing hours reform, fighting high beer tax, and increasing beer choice.

"It's about providing good-quality, traditionally-made beer in the face of global branding," says Michael Farrar, chairman of the festival, which is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale

"Cask-conditioned ale is a natural product, using natural ingredients. There will be more than 100 real ales from across the UK - including Yorkshire-made beers - and other countries."

The festival, which includes live music and information stalls, will run at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, from Thursday February 28, to Saturday March 2.

To suggest a name for the Saltaire beer - the winner will receive a free ticket for a festival event of their choice - and for ticket details ring Kerr Kennedy on (01274) 640680. For more information click on to the website www.bradfordcamra.freeserve.co.uk