MISS VALE of Glamorgan is getting behind a campaign to raise funds for Penarth’s Marie Curie hospice.

Sophie Norris, 22, is backing the Blooming Great Tea Party initiative.

This aims to encourage people to host tea parties with family and friends to raise money for Marie Curie.

Miss Norris, from Barry, has released her own recipe for drip cakes as she likes baking in her spare time and says the cakes are her speciality.

From June 23-25, Marie Curie is encouraging people to get together with friends, family or colleagues to host a tea party, bake sale or even have a special tea break to raise funds.

The money raised will help Marie Curie provide vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families.

Miss Norris recently competed in the Miss Wales final and is supporting the charity in memory of her grandmother Mary Norris.

Mary died at the Penarth hospice seven years ago.

She praised the care that her grandmother received as she got behind the Blooming Great Tea Party initiative.

She said: “I can only describe the care she received as amazing.

“Everyone here was wonderful and just the general feeling of the place was wonderful.

“We felt so comfortable as a family, even during a very difficult time.”

She will be baking some of her own treats for her fundraising tea party.

Sophie plans to invite some lifelong friends she made while taking part in the Miss Wales contest.

Hannah Leckie, Marie Curie community fundraiser in Cardiff and the Vale said: “Holding a Blooming Great Tea Party really is a piece of cake.

“Just pick a date, send out some invites and simply raise a cuppa between June 23-25.

“You can choose to make everything yourself or pop to the shops for some tasty treats.

“As long as you price each slice or put a donation box by the front door you’ll be sure to raise funds to help Marie Curie support people when they need it most.”

To find out more and receive your free fundraising pack, please call 0800 716 146.

You can also visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty