ORGANISERS of the Ruskin Beer Festival reckon real drinkers and sports fans will be in their element this weekend.

The sports venue in Dentons Green has linked up for the third year with St Helens Autism Support, a charity run by parents whose children have the condition. It is raising funds with the help of local businesses sponsoring beer barrels and rugby teams that will be taking part in a touch tournament.

Twenty real ales will be served along with ciders and perries, world bottled beers, soft drinks and food.

Friday night includes live music from Roisin Dubh and Saturday will be full of sport.

The rugby will see a team of Saints Casuals pitted against West Park, and LSH take on last year's winners, Ruskin Park RFC.

Pilkington Recs RLFC's game against Bradford Dudley Hill, kick off 2.30pm.

And if real ale and oval balls don't appeal to visitors, then St Helens Town CC will also be playing a cricket match and Pilkington Football Club will be starting their 2014/15 season with a game against Styal FC, kick off 3pm.

Diane Palfrey, the event organiser, said: "The beer festival has become a really important event for us in helping a local charity raise funds while at the same time, providing the neighbourhood with a great day out."

The charity's funds sponsor work placements for young adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The event opens at 5pm on August 8 in the Pavilion Bar. It re-opens on Saturday , August 9 at 1pm. Entry is free on both days.