STAFF at one of the region's most popular tea rooms enjoyed a cup of tea and slice of cake yesterday to celebrate a successful year of fundraising.

More than £30,000 has been raised for children's charities, thanks to the efforts of staff at Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate.

At its tea rooms in Northallerton, manager Joan Atkinson donated the money they had raised to the Butterwick Children's Hospice. Part of the cash will be used to provide a specialist nurse to help care for terminally-ill children.

Bettys York raised money for the York District Hospital's special care baby unit, Bettys Harrogate for the Candlelighters charity, and Bettys bakery and cookery school for the Martin House Hospice.

The cookery school, at Hookstone Park, Harrogate, is holding an open day on Sunday, giving people a chance to learn about the practical courses on offer. The event starts at 1pm. For further information call (01423) 814016.