A COMMUNITY event offering “a warm cup of friendship and a little slice of respite” has celebrated five years of success .

Trellech Teas, which was started in October 2012, has gone from strength to strength and celebrated its fifth birthday last Friday.

Each week Trellech’s Babbington Centre open its doors, offering cups of tea and home-made cakes for good causes.

Since being founded by Sarah Whidett, the event has brought the community together, but has also raised thousands for charities and other local causes along the way.

Councillor Debbie Blakebrough, who as county councillor for Trellech United launched the event five years ago, said the success of Trellech Teas was down to the hard work of the volunteers who make it possible.

“It’s down to their generosity, time and commitment that Trellech Teas opens its doors every Friday afternoon,” she said.

“In my job, and in my role as a county councillor, I do experience going to many launches, but I’m very rarely invited to a revisit because many new projects don’t survive the test of time.

“It’s hard to get things going, but even harder to keep things going.”

Offering a toast, she added the event is “a warm cup of friendship and a little slice of respite from our busy lives and the hectic world outside.”

Trellech Teas was launched to provide somewhere for residents of Trellech and the surrounding areas to meet up once a week for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. All cakes are make and donated by volunteers.

Since organising the event, Sarah has moved away, but her legacy was recognised at the celebration.

“Even after you’ve left, it’s still going strong, and that’s a testament to you,” Cllr Blakebrough added.

“What I find so lovely is that I’ve been gone a year now and it’s still happening,” Sarah said.

“Although I was the instigator it clearly met a need; there’s all these people willing to bake each week and help each other”

The event is now organised by Margaret Morris and Jean Hughes, and takes place every Friday from 2pm to 4.30pm.