ON the first day of Christmas my true love poured for me a frothy tankard of Frank Incensed.On the second day of Christmas my true love poured for me two foaming pints of Humpty Dumpty's Christmas Crack and a frothy tankard of Frank Incensed.

ON the first day of Christmas my true love poured for me a frothy tankard of Frank Incensed.

On the second day of Christmas my true love poured for me two foaming pints of Humpty Dumpty's Christmas Crack and a frothy tankard of Frank Incensed.

The adaptation of the song could go on - and you sense a festive tune or two will be ringing out from the bar at the Railway Freehouse at North Elmham, near Dereham, over the next few days.

The pub is holding a 12 beers of Christmas festival for the 12th year running and celebrating the creations from micro and small breweries in the region.

Local brewing has faced tough times like many other industries - but it is time to raise a glass to the determination of them to fight on.

Tharston-based Spectrum Brewery's Yule Fuel is “a deep ruby barley wine and is rich, fruity and warming” and will give the Christmas spirit a boost at 8pc while the Santa Paws by Wolf Brewery from Besthorpe is slightly gentler at 4.5pc.

Elmtree from Snetterton has its 5pc Imported beer, Frank Incensed is 4.3pc is by Nethergate at Sudbury and Winter Spice is brewed by Grain of Harleston and comes in at 5pc.

Elgoods at Wisbech has three seasonal beers at the festival - Snickalmas (5pc), Wenceslas (a winter warmer at 7.5pc) and Thin Ice (4.7pc).

Great Yarmouth-based Norfolk Square has its Winkle Picker (5.5pc) and the Christmas Crack by Humpty Dumpty at Reedham (6pc) is another festive favourite.

The remaining beers are by Somerset-based Cottage Brewery with their Christmas Ale (4.5pc) and Santa's Steaming Ale (5.5pc).

Railway landlord Colin Smith said: “Since launching the idea in 1997, we have pulled more than 9,000 Christmas pints to help celebrate the season.

“We are hoping the 2009 selection will prove just as popular and allow us to achieve the festive milestone of 10,000 Christmas pints sold by the New Year.

“For those who are driving, there will also be the chance to take advantage of our free soft drinks for drivers' scheme that is now in its 25th year running.”

The pub is open from 11am-11pm each day and the festival continues until all the beer has been sold.

Meanwhile, the Victoria pub in Hockering will be holding its first 12 beers of Christmas event from Friday to Monday.

Each ale has been chosen by landlord Barry Surman with highlights including the Hop Back brewery's Elf and Happiness and the Hyde's brewery's Steaming Santa.

There is also entertainment during the festival with community carol singing accompanied by Dave on Friday, 7.30pm, The Rum Brothers on Saturday 7.30pm, and the Rocking Johnnies on Sunday.

The festival will end on Monday when Honingham Bell Folk will perform, also at 7.30pm.

The pub is open from noon-11pm.