BUSINESSES in Dorchester are invited to share a spot of cream tea whilst raising money for charity.

The invitation comes as Britain celebrates National Cream Tea Day, a day designed to give a British tradition the recognition it deserves.

The Dorchester branch of TSB Bank is raising money for the Friends of Dorset County Hospital by selling cream tea boxes.

Each box, priced at £3, will include two freshly made scones, jam, fresh strawberries, a pot of clotted cream and a tea bag.

TSB Bank will deliver each box to your place of work, if it lies within a one-mile radius of the branch. Alternatively, boxes can be collected from the branch itself. Boxes will be delivered next week between Monday, June 29 and Friday, July 3.

Maria Ellison, of TSB Bank Dorchester, said: “I think it’s quite a big thing because it’s unusual. I don’t know anybody that’s done this. It’s not a regular thing.

“Everybody loves the idea of being in the office having a strawberry cream tea delivered in a box. It’s been quite a big thing to organise.

“It’s been a bit like The Apprentice but it’s been fun. It seems to have taken off.”

Bakery Direct, Craig’s Dairy, Goulds, Waitrose and The Wessex Royale Hotel have all contributed towards the boxes’ ingredients.

Maria said she was grateful for everyone’s support, aiming special praise at The Wessex Royale Hotel.

Despite being only asked for tea bags, hotel chef Nick Cherry offered to provide freshly made scones for each of the boxes.

Maria said: "He’s been so nice and so helpful, considering we only asked for tea bags. It’s quite a lovely thing to do. I can’t tell you how lovely it is that he’s doing that.”

"They've been amazing. We couldn't have done it without them."

Sharon Merritt, a representative of Friends of Dorset County Hospital, said the group had been overwhelmed by the response.

She said: “It was a small idea which TSB came up with which has really blossomed. We are just so grateful not only to TSB but to all of the other people who have helped achieve this.

“It’s just all come together.”

If you would like more information on how to place an order, please visit the branch in High West Street or call 01305 267936.