A CITY hospice for children has raised £4,500 by urging people to have a nice cup of tea and a sit down.

The tea total for the Acorns Children's Hospice was raised in cafs, schools, sports clubs and meetings throughout June.

Bags of ideas like Mad Hatter's tea parties, Teddy bears' picnics, and traditional afternoon teas were some of the events that helped generate the money.

Acorns community fund-raiser, Lucy Howells said: "We had some excellent events and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us reach this fantastic amount."

Ms Howells said the money was still pouring in, and that she expected the total to reach an estimated £10,000.

The charity joined with benefactors and got into the spirit when staff and supporters at the hospice on Bath Road, Worcester, and at its fund-raising offices in Pershore all put their feet up for a cuppa.

Acorns new hospice in Worcester will provide respite and emergency care for about 250 terminally ill children and their families from the three counties of Worcestershire, Hereford-shire and Gloucestershire.

For more information about Acorns, or to make a donation call 01386 554848 or visit www.acorns.org.uk