RECORD-breaking numbers of real ale drinkers have helped donate hundreds of pounds to the Speaker of Hackney’s charities.

The organisers of the 25th Pig’s Ear Beer Festival handed over a cheque for £445.65 to the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Ian Rathbone, on Friday (20 February).

The sum comes from the proceeds of last December’s festival, which took place at Ocean, Mare Street, attended by a record-breaking 3,800 people, the highest number in the festival’s 25-year history.

The five-day event was organised by the East London & City branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

Cllr Rathbone said: “I am grateful for the generosity of visitors to the festival for providing such a welcome boost to help people in Hackney through my nominated charities.”

The Speaker’s three chosen charities for the year are: the Laburnum Boat Club, which provides activities for children, young people and their families on the Regents Canal and beyond; the Hackney Society, which works to involve and support local people in conservation of the built environment in the borough; and Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities, a group which gives parenting skills classes.

If you would like to make a donation to the Speaker’s charities, contact the Speaker’s office on 020 8356 3350, email speaker@hackney.gov.uk, or write to the Speaker c/o the Speaker’s Office, Room 118b, Town Hall, Mare Street, London, E8 1EA.

For more information on the East London and City branch of CAMRA, visit www.pigsear.org.uk or contact 07757772564