THE people of Teesside are being invited to watch the royal wedding in true British style with a communal tea party.

The event will be in aid of a worthy cause, with money raised going to the Teesside Hospice.

Centre Square in Middlesbrough will be the venue for the Great British Tea Party on Friday, April 29, while a big screen will show the royal wedding coverage from the BBC throughout the day.

People are invited to take a picnic and deckchairs, and soak up the atmosphere.

The hospice will be selling tea and coffee and there will be British merchandise available, including the essential Union flag.

Debbie Coulson, from Teesside Hospice, said: "We really hope people will enjoy the atmosphere, have a nice cup of tea and a cake and raise money for the hospice."

To help people celebrate in style, The Olde Young Tea House, based nearby in Grange Road, will also be in the square selling an array of traditional English fare, including cakes, sandwiches and crafts. There is no entrance fee, but people are urged to take their loose change as Teesside Hospice will hold a bucket collection.

Carli-Jayne McNaught, who runs The Olde Young Tea House, said the idea to support Teesside Hospice at the event came from being part of a new Young Women's Society based in Middlesbrough.

She said: "The Great British Tea Party will be a really enjoyable event that will bring people together and also help an important local charity at the same time."