A CHARITY is calling on people across the York area to hold a tea party next month to help it as it provides vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.

Marie Curie launched its Blooming Great Tea Party at the Stonegate Teddy Bears shop in York yesterday.

The charity wants people to get together with friends, family or colleagues for a tea party, bake sale or ‘tea-riffic tea-break’ between June 23 and 25.

It said the party was being supported by the department store John Lewis, which would be hosting special Blooming Great Tea Party events in shops on June 9 and making a donation of £20,000 to the charity.

Gemma Hewitt, Marie Curie community fundraiser in York, said: “Holding a Blooming Great Tea Party really is a piece of cake.

“Pick a date, send out some invites and simply raise a cuppa.

“You’ll join thousands of others across North Yorkshire doing their bit for Marie Curie.”