It's a dog's dinner at Claridge's

The Blue Cross Launches Britain's Biggest Tea Party for Pets.

Britain's pet charity, The Blue Cross, today launches the nation's biggest Tea Party for pets, supported by actor Martin Freeman, star of The Office and A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.   An assortment of Blue Cross canines are marking the event by 'taking tea' together at one of London's most prestigious tea venues, Claridge's Hotel in London.  

Backed by The UK Tea Council and Bonne Maman Patisserie, this fundraising event is the first of its kind to be launched by The Blue Cross, one of the country's oldest animal welfare charities.  The charity hopes that combining the Brits' love of tea with their passion for animal welfare will prove to be 'the icing on the cake' for the thousands of homeless and sick animals it cares for every year at its adoption centres and hospitals.

Martin Freeman, who owns a rescue dog called Archie, said: "Archie and I are really pleased to be supporting this event.  Tea and pets are two vital elements of the British way of life and must be protected!  I'm a great supporter of the work of The Blue Cross and this event will enable them to continue providing care for the thousands of animals that pass through their doors every year.  So stick the kettle on and brew up some support."

To mark their first ever national Tea Party, The Blue Cross carried out an on-line Tea Drinkers' Survey, revealing some interesting facts about the tea drinking habits of Britain's many pet lovers. 

When asked who they would invite to their dream tea party, most people chose Rolf Harris, followed by Johnny Depp, then The Queen!  67% of respondents preferred a classic cup of English Breakfast tea, but 77% would rather drink it abroad than in Britain.  41% of supporters said a tea party would give them an excuse to eat cake, while 29% were looking forward to curling up with their pet and a cuppa.

John Rutter, chief executive of The Blue Cross, said: "The first ever Blue Cross Tea Party is the perfect excuse for animal lovers to indulge in one of our greatest British traditions - a cuppa and a piece of a cake - in aid of needy animals.  The money raised will help us care for the thousands of sick and homeless pets that come through our doors every year."

Blue Cross Tea Party registrations have almost reached the 1,000 mark, with fundraising events planned throughout the country in all manner of venues, from nursing homes and village tea shops, to dog training classes and even hair salons.  Word of the event has even reached Blue Cross supporters in Italy, who are planning a Tea Party later in the year.

Proceeds from each Blue Cross Tea Party will go towards the charity's work caring for sick and homeless animals and providing pet care advice and information to the nation's pet owners.  Just £4 provides a life-saving intravenous drip for a sick pet, and £9 a week will keep a dog's kennel warm whilst it waits to be rehomed.

Notes to editors
High-res images of Martin Freeman, and the Blue Cross photocall launch, are available upon request.
Celebrity and Blue Cross interviews are available upon request.
The Blue Cross Tea Drinkers' Survey was carried out on the charity's Tea Party website between April and May 2007 and results are based on 239 responses.
Supporters can still register for a free Tea Party fundraising pack by visiting www.bluecrossteaparty.org.uk or phoning 08444 993 663.
Those who are unable to hold a Tea Party event can also help The Blue Cross by visiting www.clicknow.org.uk/bluecross, a search engine that allows users to raise money for the charity of their choice, for free.
Claridge's Hotel won an Award of Excellence in the prestigious Tea Guild's Top London Afternoon Tea 2007 Award. For further information, visit www.claridges.co.uk and www.tea.co.uk. 
For further information on Bonne Maman Patisserie, contact 01635 528233.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.
Media contacts
The Blue Cross: Joanna Crosse on 07790 435951, press@bluecross.org.uk.