ST GEORGE'S Day was celebrated in style in Ellesmere on Saturday with a real ale trail and drinkers given a front row seat for a rematch with the dragon.

The White Hart, in Ellesmere, hosted coach-loads of beer connoisseurs, arriving at set times throughout the day.

However, the serious job of imbibing quality beers was interrupted when a fearsome dragon gatecrashed the event to carry off a pretty damsel, with members of community groups Fizzgigs taking the reins.

Mirjana Garland, Fizzgigs’ chairman, said the street theatre was thoroughly enjoyed by all to celebrate the best of the county and St George's Day.

She said: "Luckily there was one brave and bold man prepared to challenge the beast. He mounted his sleek, muscular steed and rode to challenge the dragon.

"The wench was saved, he dragon was injured but with more refreshed the

"The damsel, the dragon and the knight all partook of more refreshment. And then it happened again, and again – in fact, five times in total.

"Of course, this farcical bit of frothy nonsense was the creation of Fizzgigs, Ellesmere’s Community Arts Group.

"We were aware that Saturday was April 23 ie St George’s Day.

"And in distant times Ellesmere was in the firing line for attacks from the Welsh, so what better than to bring out a dragon and a brave English knight."

The piece of street theatre took place at the back of the historic Shropshire public house, the oldest one in the county.

"Buns and cheeses were thrown, the damsel’s virtue was threatened by some enthusiastic on-lookers, songs were sung – ‘all part of the fun,’ said Bob Richards, who played the damsel.

Peter Cartlidge played the knight, Mike Ford was the dragon while other members of Fizzgigs took a variety of parts.

Posts on Facebook confirm that everyone had a fabulous day. "Beer and silliness, both in ample amounts," summed up Ian Andrew, a member of the Fizzgigs team.