MARIE Curie chose The Little Tea House in Ilkley to help the charity launch its annual Blooming Great Tea Party campaign.

Claire Hundsdoerfer, owner of the tea shop, is calling on Ilkley residents to get together with friends and family and host a Blooming Great Tea Party between June 20-29.

Claire said: "It was a pleasure to help launch the Blooming Great Tea Party campaign in Ilkley for Marie Curie.

"I would encourage others to get involved in this during June and help to raise funds for both the Bradford Hospice, which takes patients from Ilkley, and for the Marie Curie Nursing Service in the area, too.

"The Little Teahouse will be supporting by baking and selling a delicious homemade cake on June 25 and 26 June, with all proceeds going to Marie Curie. We will also be holding a raffle that weekend in aid of the charity."

Inspired by Britain’s love of baking, hosting a Blooming Great Tea Party, whether big or small, is a great excuse to get together with loved ones. Try out a theme for the event or bake some much-loved goodies – it really is up to you.

Marie Curie’s summer fundraising campaign raises vital funds for the charity, which provides care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families. Tea parties across the UK have raised more than £4.5 million since the campaign started in 2008.

The Ilkley Marie Curie Fundraising Group will be hosting a tea party at Addingham Village Hall on June 18, from 10am to 2pm, and all are welcome to come along.

Cath Hey, member of the Ilkley group, said: “We hold this event annually, with the help of Addingham WI.

"It’s a lovely way to get people together and enjoy tea and cake whilst raising money for Marie Curie at the same time. Every pound raised will help Marie Curie Nurses care for someone living with a terminal illness in Ilkley.”

To register your Blooming Great Tea Party, or for tea party inspiration, visit mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 0800 716146. Follow updates on social media and share photos using #BloomingGreat.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.