CRAZY teapots and whacky hats were the centre of attention at a themed tea party organised by school pupils.

Hospitality students at The Costello School hosted the Mad Hatter’s tea party on National Hat Day, to raise funds for the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s charity appeal.

The Year 10 pupils planned every detail of the afternoon, making garlands from playing cards, teapots with flowers sprouting out of them, and filling suitcases with hats for people to try on.

Brightly-coloured balloons were used as decorations at the school, in Crossborough Hill, while music helped to create a party atmosphere.

Students prepared a feast for guests, including smoked salmon sandwiches, cheese scones served with wedges of cheese and pickle, individual Victoria sandwich cakes and lemon drizzle cake.

Borough mayor Councillor Martin Biermann and his wife Chansopha were invited along to join the celebration, where a raffle helped to raise £130 for the charity appeal.

Kerry Irons, catering teacher at Costello, said: “I am so impressed with the students. They worked professionally throughout and the detailed planning paid off to make the event a great success.”

Those taking part included Tori Stafford, Jasmine Flowerdew, Elise Plant, Sam Pollock, Hannah Awan Annie Wood and Daisy Kinchenton-Ford.