Animal lovers are being invited to “paws” for a cup of tea to help homeless pets.

Staff at the Blue Cross rehoming centre at Northiam will be putting on the kettle and setting out the cakes for a charity tea party between 11am and 3pm on May 18.

They are hoping to raise money by asking for a donation in return for a cuppa.

Maria Marmo, the centre’s manager, said: “Every cuppa and every slice of cake we sell will help Blue Cross care for even more poorly and homeless pets.

“We’d love as many people as possible to come and join us.”

The charity’s tea party is supported by pet-loving celebrities including Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips, Made in Chelsea’s Cheska Hull and actresses Pam Ferris and Olivia Colman.

They have all designed teapots that are being auctioned online at www.bluecross.org.uk/teapots.