SCORES of people are expected to pack into a tiny York pub to take part in a "Baby Beer Festival" this weekend.

Organisers at the Blue Bell, in Fossgate, are predicting that so many beer fans will come to the two-day event that they have asked the council to close the road.

More than 150 people took part in last year's festival at the pub, which is the smallest in the city, raising more than £600 for charity.

Licensee Jim Hardie, who has been planning the event with his wife, Sue, for three months, said they hoped to raise hundreds of pounds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The couple chose the charity after pub regular, York antique dealer and jazz pianist Brian Thacker, died of prostate cancer two months ago.

Jim said: "As a pub we have already raised over £12,000 for charity which must make us one of the biggest fundraising boozers in York - despite being the smallest. It has been a logistical nightmare, but we are looking forward to welcoming people from York and the surrounding area."

The festival will see 19 extra real ales from around the country added to the historic pub's usual fare and a tombola and raffle will be held.

Gazebos and outside heaters will also be set up outside the pub with Fossgate closed on Sunday from 11am to 11pm.

Sally Crerar, of Yorkshire Cancer Research, said it is "tremendous" when local groups get together to support a regional charity.

She said: "It is fantastic news to know that they are collecting throughout the year to help support our important work."

Yorkshire Cancer Research is the fourth largest cancer research charity in the country. It raises £4 million every year, which is used to fund research into the cause of cancer at five universities, including the University of York.

Updated: 11:53 Wednesday, November 06, 2002