LADY Halifax dropped into a bathroom business this week to have a cup of tea, a slice of tea loaf and receive a charity cheque for £5,700.

Abacus Direct, based at Copgrove, near Harrogate, raised the money at a launch event for their designer range, Ben de Lisi Bathroom Concepts.

The company invited Lady Halifax, who is the president of Macmillan Cancer Relief, to their premises to receive the cheque.

She also found time for a slice of tea loaf made from Prince Charles's favourite recipe, which features in her book, Food Glorious Food, a compilation of recipes on sale in support of Macmillan.

Chris Smith, director of Abacus, said: "We have just held the launch of our new designer range, and decided that we also wanted to use the event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

"Amongst the 200 or so guests were Ben de Lisi and his business partner Debbie Lovejoy - who has the advantage of being a Yorkshire girl.

"A major part of the evening was the auctioning of a Ben de Lisi gown which boosted the total considerably.

"Jackie Thompson, our company secretary, raised £1,500 from running a half marathon so we're delighted to be handing over a cheque for £5,700."

The book costs £5 and can be bought by calling (01759) 368236.