A NORTH YORKSHIRE brewery has concocted a witches' brew for beer lovers to enjoy at this month's Campaign For Real Ale festival in York.

The Brown Cow brewery at Barlow, near Selby, has made a ghostly-themed beer for the Evening Press-sponsored Phantom Of The Hopera York CAMRA Beer Festival 2003.

Manager Susan Simpson said: "We aimed for something very pale, very fruity and very hoppy, at a strength of 4.2. We used a new variety of hops, and at the end of the brew day we were very pleased with the result."

The popular festival, returning after a year's absence, will be held at the Priory Centre, off Micklegate, York, between March 27 and 29.

Organiser Patrick Hickey said: "Tickets have already sold out for the popular Friday night session, but there is still time for beer fans in York to grab a place."

Tickets cost £2 and are available from York pubs the Blue Bell and the Maltings, and the York Beer Shop in Sandringham Street.

Updated: 10:41 Tuesday, March 04, 2003