THERE will be much merriment in the Red Lion in Exbourne this December, but not just for Christmas – as landlord Nick Hamlyn celebrates five years at the pub.

To celebrate Nick's five years as landlord, the Red Lion will be holding a beer festival from Boxing Day to December 30, with a minimum of ten ales, most with a festive theme.

The pub will be open all day on all of these days, serving food throughout.

There will also be live music throughout the festival.

On December 27, local band Moob will perform at 9pm, while the following day JJ and the Sixes will perform, also at 9pm.

Soprano singer Nadrah Al Shawi will sing on December 29, while Okehampton band DownFall will perform on December 30. Band member Karl Little will also perform an acoustic set that evening.

Nick said: 'It feels great to have been here for five years, I have enjoyed them greatly, and I look forward to the next five years here at the Red Lion. I'm looking forward to the festival, and it should be good fun.'