THE Ruskin beer Festival will invite people to raise a glass in aid of autism awareness this August.

The fifth version of the event will see the Dentons Green venue rejoin forces with St Helens Autism Support to raise funds to help the charity with its double ambition of of raising awareness of the condition and providing funds for projects that support impacted people in the town.

The event has raised thousands of pounds for the charity over the past five years and organisers are confident of another successful festival this time round.

And there is something for everybody as sports fans can enjoy cricket, rugby league, football and a touch rugby competition on the Saturday afternoon and music-lovers can see two bands playing over the weekend.

Roisin Dubh play on the Friday and TiTORS iNSiGNiA play on the Saturday.

Steven Hockenhull, trustee of St Helens Autism Support and owner of barrel sponsor BocBoc said: “The Ruskin Beer Festival has been a huge support to the charity, not only in raising funds, but also in raising awareness of autism to the wider St Helens community.”

The charity also recently received a donation of £10,000 from Saints following the sales of the special autism awareness replica shirt that Saints wore at the Magic Weekend.

Diane Palfrey, event organiser, added: "This is our fifth year and we’re so grateful for the support we’ve yet again received from local businesses and many, many people from the real ale community all of whom have help us raise a great amount for a great charity."

The event takes place on Friday, August 5 from 5pm to 11pm and on Saturday 6 from 12pm to 11pm.