Afternoon tea at a five-star hotel is the in-thing as tea and cake lovers rediscover the extravagant pastime. And one woman is on a mission to bring the tea party closer to home.

Beverly Ezekiel, 56, who grew up in Clayhall, has set-up her own business, The China Teacup, hiring out her vast collection of porcelain plates and teacups.

She came up with the idea after going to a tea party at a friend’s wedding and noticed the growing trend.

Since setting up the business in May she has already attracted celebrity customers, including Danni Park-Dempsey from hit ITV show The Only Way Is Essex.

Mrs Ezekiel provided vintage china at the reality star’s baby shower tea party.

The vintage enthusiast and former fashion agent said: “It’s something that’s not a ‘new thing’ but it’s something that people aren’t doing around here.”

Her collection of china grew after she bought vintage pieces from charity shops and had teapots and teacups donated to her.

Mrs Ezekiel said she started to notice more people going to big hotels for high tea, adding: “Everybody loves a bit of cake and a homemade scone.

“It could be anything from someone putting on a wedding, having a celebration at home, an anniversary or a special birthday.”

Mrs Ezekiel will be holding a charity tea party on Sunday at Victory Hall, Hainault Road, Chigwell, to raise money for cancer charity Marie Curie.

Stall holders at the family-run event will be selling goods and there will be a tea party raffle, with face painting and hair braiding for children.

Entry is £2, with tea and cakes being served between 2pm and 5pm. Call 07956 671 170 for more information.

For more about the business visit facebook.com/thechinateacupcompany.