A YORK designer with a passion for bridalwear is hosting a charity fundraiser with a difference this weekend.

Antonia Aitken, of the Nether Poppleton-based couture bridalwear experts Blossom and Belle, is staging a bridal tea party at the village’s Tithe Barn to raise money for York Against Cancer.

She’s supporting the charity in memory of her mum, Pat, who died of cancer two years ago.

Antonia said: “I want to be a giver, not a taker, and I just wanted to keep it local – there is a real sense of community in York and with this charity, you can see that the money is spent here.”

The York branch of the MS Society will also benefit from the event.

At the tea party, which is is from 1pmto 4pm on Sunday, for £2, brides-to-be will receive a glass of fizz on arrival, and be able to meet luxury suppliers, do workshops - from creating buttonholes to personalised wedding favours - and visit Blossom and Belle’s vintage tea room, where refreshments will be provided by York caterers Baba Ganoush.

For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blossom-and-belle-bridal-tea

Raffle prizes include a veil worth £300 from Blossom and Belle, a free engagement shoot by Olivia Brabbs Photography, a wedding cake by From Where The Ribbon Ends, and a tiara by Elisoberry.

“We are delighted that Antonia has thought of us,” said York Against Cancer’s general manager Julie Russell. “We wish her every success at what we’re sure will be a wonderful event.”