THEbest beers will soon be flowing at the famed Bent and Bongs Beer Bash starting on January 26.

The Formby Hall real ale festival run by Atherton & Tyldesley Round Table and CAMRA will be the 17th bash to have worked wonders raising money for local charities and good causes.

Previous beneficiaries include Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Francis House Children's Hospice and Childflight and this year the main beneficiary is Vision Aid in Bolton.

VIsion Aid was founded in 1984 by the parents and grandparents of a visually impaired child. It now provides help, advice and support to visually impaired children and their families throughout the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to turn initial fears into hope, giving families encouragement and support as they cope with the difficult diagnosis of blindness.

*-There are estimated to be over 36,000 children in the UK with a visual impairment.

*-1,500 babies are born blind each year, increased by the number of children losing their sight through illness or accident.

*-To date, Vision Aid has received enquiries from over 35,000 families and professionals.

*-It receives approximately 1,000 visitors per annum and on average enquiries are received from five new families each week.

Vision Aid's range of services includes: a resource centre for blind children, home visits, a 24-hour telephone helpline, 'drop-in' sessions, parental support, contact with other parents, books and reference material, loan of toys and games, an imaginative play/toy library, a light stimulation room, a tactile photocopying service, hi-tech equipment loan, stimulation programmes and equipment plus advice.

It does not charge for its services and so funds are essential to keep the centre open and continuing to provide such vital support.

"Other local causes will also be supported," promised event spokesman Paul Barber. "So have a night out and enjoy a pint in the name of charity. Live entertainment and excellent festival food is available at each session.

"Round Table also needs help. To make sure that the Beer Festival is a success we need new members. So if you are interested in a social organisation which also raises money for local good causes contact paul.barber46@btinternet.com.

"Round Table and its sister organisation Ladies Circle are excellent for 18 to 45-year-olds who are new to the area and are looking to meet a new group of friends."

Sponsorship packages are available from just £85 for your company name over a barrel, details in the programme and 10 free tickets. Contact Paul Barber for details. Opening times and admission prices are: Thursday, January 26 (6pm to 11pm) £4.00; Friday, January 27 (5pm to 11pm) £5.50; Saturday, January 28 (noon to 4pm) £4.00 and (7pm to 11pm) £4.00.