Local businesses were at the heart of a charity event in Leamington on Sunday, which raised more than £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Bia's Great Afternoon Tea was organised by foodie champion and host of Bia's Kitchen Show, Bia Rodrigues-Perry, in association with Whittle's at Binswood and Warwickshire Gin Company.

The event, which forms part of Macmillan Coffee Morning's annual September fundraising campaign, was also supported by DJ Kirsty Leahy who provided live music and violinist Eleanor Jeans.

A host of other local businesses, many of whom were previous guests on Bia's show, also got the behind the fundraiser, including, from Leamington - Michael Scott of Scott's Chocs; The Leopard Spots; Scratch Cook Social; Magic Wingdom; Paprika Club Restaurant and Homewrecker Pimento Cheese.

Raffle prizes also included a voucher for Dave Perry Photography, in Leamington; Nicola Smyth Salon, in Kenilworth; Revolve, Leamington; NVHer, Warwick; A Good Catch in Leamington; Naturally Nourished With Meeta, Leamington; Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath; Arts Brazil Beauty, in Gaydon; Love Leamington; and 1 Mill Street in Leamington.

Bianca said: "Winston Churchill once famously said 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.' At our 1st Great afternoon tea, many individuals not only contributed prizes but also dedicated their time to ensure its success.

"I am grateful for the support from Dave of the Warwickshire Gin Company, Whittle's Restaurant, Kirsty, and all the generous independent businesses involved. A heartfelt thank

you goes out to all the guests who purchased tickets and attended the event. The Whittles team made everyone feel welcome, and a special appreciation to our outstanding violinist and vicar from St. Paul's Church, Eleanor Jeans, who performed during our welcome drinks before heading off to a church service.

"We all have someone in our lives affected by cancer treatment, which is challenging for both the individual and their family. Macmillan is a remarkable charity that provides support not only to cancer patients but also to their families. It's important to remember that significant accomplishments often start with small acts of kindness."

"Cancer does not discriminate in choosing its victims; I have personally lost family members to cancer, and my children lost their grandmother and have seen others battle it and, thankfully, survive," said Bianca.

Since its launch in January Bia's Kitchen Show has highlighted some of the best of the area's foodie scene when it is streams twice-monthly to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. The show is an extension of her successful Bia's Kitchen brand, featuring local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as her own top tips and recipes.

Bia's Great Macmillan Afternoon Tea Party was a collaboration with David Blick of Warwickshire Gin Company, in Leamington and Whittle's at Binswood. Distilled using a small batch method in Royal Leamington Spa and using a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the drinks collections comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county's own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

Whittle's at Binswood is a restaurant and bistro set within the beautiful Grade II Listed 19th century Victorian Binswood Hall in the heart of the Leamington conservation area. It also exhibits a stunning collection of art, including artists such as Patrick Nasmyth, Willem Roelofs and Francis Grant. Visit: https://biaskitchenshow.com/