ST Bernard Leon is looking forward to his daily tipple at a beer and music festival being held at Marston this weekend.

Leon is one of three rescue dogs which are owned by Lyn Taylor, the landlady of The Salt Barge in Ollershaw Lane, which is hosting the free festival this Saturday, August 1.

The festival will feature real ales from Tatton and Weetwood breweries and a wide selection of bottled beers and ciders from micro-breweries across Cheshire.

Leon is partial to a drop of Tatton Best, which he enjoys after waiting his turn at the bar.

“Leon barks at the bar every night at 10.30pm for his Tatton Best, and has a little bit in the bottom of his bowl,” said Lyn.

“He’s very patient, and waits to be served, and everyone knows what time it is when Leon barks.”

The Salt Barge is well-known as a dog-friendly pub, although Lyn was keen to stress that dogs were allowed only in certain areas in the pub.

Nine-year-old Leon came from an orange grove when Lyn lived in Spain, where her rescue miniature Dachshund Reggie and rescue cat Thomas also came from.

She has another St Bernard, 13-month-old Mabel, who came from Warrington Animal Welfare, one of the organisations which are to receive a donation from the festival, which runs from 1pm until late.

The festival is a family event, and will feature musicians, artisan stalls, a barbecue, Sumo wrestling and fun and games.

Local artists and bands will be performing on the outdoor stage, and children’s funfair games will include hook-a-duck, plate shy, tin can alley and darts.

There will also be an inflatable slide, face painting, a hog roast, sweet shop and ice cream stand.

The festival is free to attend, and is supporting Warrington Animal Rescue and St Luke’s Hospice, each of which will receive a donation.

“I’m very passionate about animal welfare, and feel it is also important to support the hospice,” said Lyn.

The Salt Barge offers live music or karaoke on Friday nights, and every third Wednesday is open mic night and quiz night.