Nobody went thirsty in Twickenham last weekend, as the Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra) annual beer and cider festival rolled into town.

More than 70 real ales and 20 ciders and perries were consumed at York House as part of the event, organised by Camra's Richmond and Hounslow branch.

On the first evening of the three-day bonanza, the Rifleman pub in Fourth Cross Road, Twickenham, was crowned the branch Pub of the Year for 2014.

John Austin, from Richmond and Hounslow Camra, said: "The Rifleman was voted the winner for the quality of its beer, community focus and the ambience.

"It is sympathetic with Camra's aims and values - they were clear winners."

The winner of the two previous years was the Sussex Arms, Twickenham, who were ineligible to enter on this occasion.

With ales of all varieties sampled from all over the UK, punters were able to have a taste of milds, golden bitters, ambers, stouts and speciality beers.

Beer manager Tony Grimmer said: "There are a large amount of beers, ciders and perries for people to try each year.

"We ask our members for suggestions for different beers and we approach a number of brewers, often micro-breweries, about it.

"For example, this year we have the Langham brewery launching their new beer called Aegir."

Sales of the porter were limited to half-pints to satisfy the demand and ensure it lasted the whole festival, from Thursday to Saturday.

This Richmond & Twickenham Times sent its reporters to sample a modest selection of ales, as well as the ciders, being served.

The verdict on Gwatkin's Game Cock (a 4.5 per cent medium sweet cider) was refined, sweet and moreish in flavour, while Broadoaks' Moonshine, while also fruity, was a little too crisp.

Our correspondent deemed the Pale Whale ale was light and zesty while Rebellion's Photo Finish, of sweet toffee character, which had a brash flavour with a lingering toffee and malt after-taste.

The festival celebrated 40 years of the Richmond and Hounslow Camra branch and was its 20th beer festival.

Next year's event will be held between October 22-24, 2015.