STARS of the theatre donned colourful costumes and performed in the freezing cold to promote a fundraising tea party in Hampshire.

The Daily Echo-backed £1 Million Tea Party begins later this month and will see people across the county come together for a cup of tea and slice of cake to raise money for a breast cancer centre.

Hampshire models Emma Brooks and Tai Stanley have already got involved by snapping selfies to raise awareness of The Haven in Wessex, which is being built in Titchfield.

Now the Portsmouth Players have nominated the centre as their charity of the year and stars of their upcoming production of Hairspray performed at Whiteley Shopping Village.

Heidi Rehman, community fundraiser for the charity, said: “There were a lot of people who have shown interest in the centre and how it’s going to help people in our area.

“There was a lot of awareness- raising today and we had about 1,500 leaflets that I was able to give out. The cast were just brilliant and they performed bits from the show.”

When the Haven centre opens this autumn anyone who has been affected by breast cancer will be able to selfrefer to the specialist centre and talk to experts about financial worries, nutrition, and receive a tailor-made programme of therapy.

A total of £1.5m has already been raised for its construction but another £1m is needed and the charity is seeking support.

As well as models Emma Brooks and Tai Stanley, BBC South Today presenter Sally Taylor has done her bit and invited the entire country to tea.

She underwent breast cancer surgery herself in 1999 and told the Daily Echo that the Haven will offer relief to thousands of people.

The £1 Million Tea Party takes place from February 9 until February 16. For more information visit t h e h a v e n .o r g . u k / support-us.