Oakleaf Brewery cemented its dominance of the county's ale scene following the opening night of the three-day Southampton Beer Festival at the Guildhall yesterday.

The Gosport business not only retained its title of Champion Beer of Hampshire with its offering Hole Hearted, but secured second spot with Nuptu'ale. Third was Moondance from Triple-fff of Four Marks.

The final six brews selected for judging had been chosen out of 80 eligible ales by more than 2,000 ale enthusiasts from the Campaign for Real Ale.

Festival organiser Rob Whatley is pictured flanked by judges Steve Hoey, left, and Echo journalist Paul Hancocks.