Tea and cake saves lives

Britain's Biggest Tea Party in aid of animal welfare kicks off on Friday 18 May, offering everyone the perfect excuse to indulge in one of our greatest British traditions - a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Supported by The UK Tea Council and Bonne Maman Patisserie, this event is the first of its kind to be launched by Britain's pet charity, The Blue Cross. The charity hopes that combining the Brits' love of tea with their passion for animal welfare will prove to be 'the icing on the cake' for the hundreds of homeless and sick animals it cares for at its centres and hospitals.

The Tea Party has already attracted lots of support from well-known personalities, who have been revealing their perfect tea-time scenario. TV presenter, Anthea Turner, says: "I like to take my tea in a fine bone china mug but find it very difficult to have tea without a biscuit or cake! I love lemon drizzle1 or carrot cake and drink normal builders tea, with milk and one sugar. I do hope all animal lovers across the country will join me by raising their cups of tea to help The Blue Cross on 18 May."

Fundraising registrations are pouring in from around the country but there is still plenty of time for people to organise their own event. A Blue Cross Tea Party can be as big or as small as you like. Anything goes - from a fancy dress party in the office, a picnic at school, or just a few friends around the kitchen table. Choose a date to suit - it does not have to be on Friday 18 May - then register with The Blue Cross for a free fundraising pack, including posters, invitations and fundraising advice. Generous donations of luxury biscuits and cakes by Bonne Maman Patisserie, well-known in the UK for their conserves and compotes, will ensure that Tea Parties get off to a sophisticated flying start!

Proceeds from each Blue Cross Tea Party will go towards the charity's work caring for sick and homeless animals and providing pet care advice and information to the nation's pet owners. Just £4 provides a life-saving intravenous drip for a sick pet, and £9 a week will keep a dog's kennel warm whilst it waits to be rehomed.

Fancy a brew? For a free fundraising pack, visit www.bluecrossteaparty.org.uk or phone 08444 993663. If you are unable to hold a Tea Party event, you may like to help The Blue Cross by visiting www.clicknow.org.uk/bluecross, a search engine that allows users to raise money for the charity of their choice, for free.

Media contact: Joanna Crosse
Mobile: 07790 435951
E-mail: press@bluecross.org.uk

Notes to editors

Tea Party images attached. More are available upon request.

Anthea Turner's recipe for lemon drizzle cake is available upon request. Call 08444 993663.

The British indulge in an incredible 165 million cups of tea a day.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet

and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals

each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private

vets' fees.

For further information on The UK Tea Council, visit www.tea.co.uk

For further information on Bonne Maman Patisserie, contact 01635 528233.