And the charity is inviting everyone in the Garioch area and beyond to come and raise their cups for Marie Curie. All funds raised will help more Marie Curie nurses to provide free care for terminally ill people in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

This will be the launch event for the Blooming Great Tea Party campaign, where people can organise their own tea party between Friday, June 12 and Sunday, July 12.

Michael Jamieson, community fundraising manager said: "This is all about getting people together with friends old and new and having some fun. It doesn't take much to pop the kettle on and the money raised will make such a difference to many people long after the party is over.

"Once people have attended our launch event in the Town Hall, they may be inspired to stage their own tea party. It doesn't have to be a big event; you can invite a few friends and neighbours round for a cup of tea and a biscuit and ask for a donation for Marie Curie, or get together with your colleagues and hold a blooming great tea party at work."

The tea party in Inverurie Town hall will run from 2-4pm. Admission is £1.50 and children under eight will be admitted for 50p. Refreshments will be served and there will be a variety of stalls including raffles, bric-a-brac, cake and candy and loads of gift ideas.

For more information regarding the Blooming Great Tea party call Michael Jamieson on (01224) 647221.

For details on how to stage a tea party event, call 08700 340 040 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty.