THE winning combination of a pint and a panto will help to raise spirits and money in Exbourne's Red Lion Inn this Christmas.

On the nights of December 29 and 30, the pub will play host to Exbourne's Village Idiot Productions' 'Snow White and the Three Dwarves', following the success of last year's first panto, 'Cinderella'.

The panto is part of the pub's week-long real ale festival, which is raising money for the Exbourne playing fields.

Nine different real ales will be stocked behind the bar and served straight from the barrel, with 50p from every pint going to the charity.

The pub has a fine record for serving quality beer already, having appeared in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Landlord Nick Hamlyn has chosen a range of dark and winter ales as well as some special seasonal beers for the event.

Nick Hamlyn, landlord of the Red Lion Inn said: 'Last year's panto and ale festival went fantastically well, as we raised a great amount for charity.

'We just hope we can raise more money this year, and people will come out and support us.'