THE delights of one of the great British favourites were being extolled yesterday - as the humble cuppa came under the spotlight.

The country drinks an astonishing 165 million cups of tea a day, but experts reckon even that figure would shoot up if people knew a good standard of brew was offered outside the home.

To that end, the Guild of Tea Shops have published a new guide - Best Tea Places - to encourage more people to sample their delights.

Expert tea teacher Jane Pettigrew was at the long-established Elizabeth Botham and Sons, in Whitby, to give free tea tasting sessions, focusing on varieties ranging from English Breakfast to Oolong and Assam.

She spoke to onlookers about the different origins, leafs, flavours, smells and tastes, as well as passing out tips on brewing and infusion times.

The shop, which enjoys a close relationship with the guild, was established by Elizabeth Botham as a bakery in 1865 and continues on the same Skinnergate site, run by Elizabeth's great-granddaughter, Jane, and her family.

William Gorman, executive director of the Tea Council, said: "The guild promotes the highest standard in tea brewing and serving in tea shops around the country.

"With tea-tasting events like this we hope to bring those high standards into the home and show people how to perfect their own favourite cuppa."