Visitors to next week's inaugural Selby Beer Festival will also be able to taste some wine - courtesy of the UK's first micro-winery.

Peter Cariss, from Long Drax, has set up the winery at the Market Cross shopping centre in Selby.

He imports grape juice extracts from Australia, Italy, California and Chile, which he turns into wine himself or sells the bags of juice direct to customers for them to make their own wine.

"We are the only franchise in England and trade is excellent," said Mr Cariss, who has called his one-man business Wine Kitz.

"We make 30 red and white different wines, plus sherries and ports."

Meanwhile, beer festival organiser, Ian Murray, landlord of the Wheatsheaf at Burn, said he hoped to develop next year's event into more of a family day out.

He said: "We hope to expand the attractions with an arts and crafts festival, folk and traditional music, and Morris dancing. Selby's a lovely town and this would encourage more people to come here, giving the whole place a boost.

"We've had a lot of backing for the festival, including the support of Selby District Council, the police and local businesses.

"There's no reason why it shouldn't be a regular fixture in the calendar, which would also raise money for charity."

Mr Murray added: "We are looking at something different that will sell Selby to tourists and visitors. They have a Whitby Festival, which is extremely successful, so why can't we do it here?"

The festival will be held at the Scott Road Community Centre from Thursday, April 19, to Saturday, April 21.

More than 50 real ales will be on offer, mainly from Yorkshire, as well as hand-pulled cider and lager.

Selby MP John Grogan will open the festival, and there will be five sessions to choose from: Thursday 7pm to 11pm; and Friday and Saturday 11.30am to 3.30pm, and 7pm to 11pm.

Entry is £3, for which visitors will get a brochure and a half-pint commemorative beer glass engraved with the Selby crest.

Tickets are available at the Wheatsheaf at Burn, Wine Kitz, and the Rose and Crown, in New Street, or call 01757 270614.

Updated: 15:33 Thursday, April 12, 2001