Is there anything better than a cup of tea with friends – and maybe a slice of cake or two?

R&B singer Beverley Knight does not think so and she is urging everyone in Croydon to join with their friends and family for a charity tea party.

The blooming great tea party is an initiative by Marie Curie Cancer Campaign running between June 20 and 29.

Ms Knight said: “I would urge everyone to gather their friends and family together and pop the kettle on.

“Then sit down and enjoy their favourite tea party treats.

“All the money raised will go towards funding the vital nursing care to people with terminal illness, provided by the wonderful Marie Curie nurses.”

Last year 6,500 tea parties were held across the UK, and this year Marie Curie Cancer Care aims to break all records in the week 20 – 29 June.

Go to mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 08450 524184 for details.