WHEN Di Vickery heard her 18-year-old niece Erin Berry, from Tiverton, had been diagnosed with non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, she knew just what to do.

She decided to have a cup of tea. But not just one cuppa. She wants as many people as possible to join her for a Great British Tea Break on Saturday, February 27.

Di, 38, has teamed up with the Lymphoma Association, a charity that supports people affected by lymphatic cancer, and has roped in her entire family to help out.

Di, of Goldfinch Grove, Cullompton, said: "We were all shocked when Erin was diagnosed with the cancer. She had been on holiday and came back with a swelling on her neck and was very ill.

"She is doing OK now but is still facing two years of treatment.

"We wanted to do something to help the smaller, more specific cancer charity and the tea break seemed ideal.

"Erin's parents, Geoff and Sue Berry, also wanted to thank the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, and especially Yarty Ward, for its wonderful care and attention and also all the friends and family who rallied round to help Erin."

Di's husband Paul, mother Jean Berry, 69, and daughter Alice, 10, will be helping serve the teas and coffees.

And, not to be outdone, 12-year-old son James will be undertaking a hula-hoop marathon while the tea is served.