Thousands of pounds was raised in aid of an addiction treatment charity based in St Albans at a fundraising afternoon tea hosted by the city mayor.

Visitors, old and young alike, enjoyed tea on a beautiful summer’s day in St Michael’s Manor Hotel gardens on Sunday, June 1 as hosted by The Mayor of St Albans, Annie Brewster.

Entertainment was provided by the St Albans City Band and St Albans Operatic Society, who performed songs from musical favourites, including its recent production of ‘Annie’. There was floral face painting and the local Popdance team taught guests a dance routine that they performed in front of the lake.

More than £1,800 was raised for The Living Room, which is based in Hatfield Road. A raffle was also organised to raise funds for charity and the winning tickets were drawn by St Albans resident, Norman Thomas, who celebrated his 93rd birthday at the event.

Mayor Brewster said: "Thank you to everyone who came to tea or generously helped to organise this typical English Country Garden event in one of the District’s most picturesque settings. There must have been a couple of furlongs of pretty bunting surrounding the gardens. It was a delightful way to raise money for my mayoral charity, The Living Room, which helps so many local people come through addiction."