WINCHESTER City Council hosted a fundraiser tea party for the Blue Cross animal charity last week.

Cafe 1871 in the Guildhall held the bash, with 25 per cent of every tea and coffee sold on the day going to the charity.

Monica Mayhew, food and beverage service manager at the Guildhall, organised the event because of her passion for pets.

She said: “In a time of recession lots of people give up their pets because they cannot afford to keep them so we decided to try and raise some money to find these pets new homes.

“I’m an extremely big animal person so I’m very pleased the council allowed the cafe to host this.”

Winchester Mayor and Mayoress Frank and Anne Pearson also attended to help raise awareness.

Cllr Pearson said: “I think this is a fantastic idea. Pets can be an invaluable comfort, particularly for the elderly, and great fun for children. But people have to have the right lifestyle to keep them, because they can be quite expensive. Anything that helps find them a new home should be supported.”

The event was also supported by local businesses Phoenix Trading gift cards and Peonie Goldsmiths and Silversmiths, who had stalls in the cafe and donated 10 and 20 per cent of their day’s takings respectively.