A WINE tasting group has encouraged people to join and sample some of the world's finest delicacies.

Salisbury Wine Interest Group has been running for four years, and meet every second Thursday of the month, usually at the Mercure White Hart.

An evening normally comprises a talk by member and wine enthusiast Mark Brandon, accompanied by 50 powerpoint photo slides and a tasting of nine wines, plus nibbles.

There is also a printed set of tasting/background notes.

The cost of an evening is usually £15 a head, but the fee will rise for special events, and an annual membership is £25, or £40 for a couple.

There are 35 members in SWIG, with at least 20 attending each month.

Mr Brandon said that the members were a jolly crowd, and encouraged those with an interest to make contact.

"People join for a mixture of reasons, including learning new skills, being exposed to tastes they would not normally encounter, and meeting like minded people, as well as simply having an enjoyable night out."

For more details on SWIG visit salisburywineinterestgroup.org