Beaconsfield will host its own beer festival and tug of war next month to raise money for a specialist dementia nurse, as part of the mayor’s appeal.

John Read, the town’s mayor, is organising the Beaconsfield Beer Festival and tug of war on St George’s Day (April 23) to raise money for an Admiral Nurse for the town as well as Amersham and the surrounding area.

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give practical and emotional care and support for families as well as the person with dementia and they work in the community, in care homes and in hospices.

Cllr John Read said: “The event is being organised to promote and raise funds for this year’s Mayor’s Appeal, which is improve dementia care and raise mental health awareness in Beaconsfield and surrounding area.

“Currently Beaconsfield, in fact all of Buckinghamshire, is like the hole in a donut with no Admiral Nurse or nursing team, unlike surrounding areas, and we want to change that.

“Mental illness affects a lot of people. Research shows that more people suffer with mental illness every year than either cancer or heart disease so let’s help end the stigma and discrimination of mental health problems.”

The day will start at 11am at Beaconsfield Rugby Club and run into the evening, with various events including a tug of war, a rugby match, a fete, live music from bands and a line-up of real ale, larger, craft beers and ciders as well as wines and soft drinks.

A shuttle bus service will be running all day from the rugby club to Beaconsfield station.

The event is being sponsored by Inland Homes but there are sponsorship opportunities for local businesses who want to get involved with the Saint George’s day festivities, including entering a team for the tug of war or having a stand at the fete.

Event organisers are also calling for more volunteers to help out on the day from driving the shuttle bus to marshalling or helping behind the bar.

The Mayor’s Appeal is also working with Rethink Mental Illness and Mind to promote awareness of their services and encourage people to get support.

Visit www.beaconsfieldbeerfestival.uk to find out how to get involved.