GREAT perks are up for grabs for beer lovers who volunteer to help at the city's annual Summer Beer and Cider Festival.

Organisers from the Chelmsford and Mid Essex branch of The Campaign for Real Ale have just started the hunt for volunteers for this year's event, which takes place from Tuesday, July 5 until Saturday, July 9.

The event is expected to get about 23,000 visitors over the five days, meaning more than 250 people are needed to lend a hand.

Most of the roles, which include office work, cellar management, glass washing and site presentation, do not require any previous experience or special skills and organisers welcome new recruits.

Volunteers will receive perks including free beer and cider, camping and food and the minimum commitment hours is just three.

Festival organiser Simon Gill said: “Volunteers arrive to an open green space and on departure leave it the same.

"Everything the festival needs has to be brought into the park and built, volunteers are crucial to this and the continued success of the festival.”

If your over 18 contact hi@cbcf.info to find out more.

One volunteer said. "I've been volunteering for four years at both winter and summer festivals, I love the summer festival, the atmosphere, the outdoors, the people, and the beer is very good too, I've always felt very welcome and proud to be part of it"

Volunteering at a Chelmsford Summer Beer and Cider Festival isn’t all about work. There is great live music, expert tutored tastings, street food, family fun day and a choice of over 500 drinks to enjoy.