A BARREL of cider at this weekend’s Nailsea Beer and Cider Festival has been sponsored in honour of a Nailsea soldier currently serving in Afghanistan.

James Smith, aged 28, has been a regular at the festival for many years but cannot get to this year’s event as he is on tour, dealing with casualties in his job as a specialised battlefield medic.

His mum, Melanie Greenwood has sponsored a festival cask in his honour on which his picture will be displayed.

Melanie said: “James loves the beer and cider festival and is really sorry to be missing it this year. I know all his friends from Nailsea will be going, so I decided to sponsor a barrel for him as the money is raised for a great cause.”

Proceeds from the festival, which will be held at Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Club from Friday until Sunday, will be split between Children’s Hospice South West and the rugby club.

For more details visit www.appelfest.btck.co.uk