Staff at Thurrock Ambulance station were left disappointed after not one person showed up to a charity tea in aid of hospices in Essex.

Colin Travers from the station in Hogg Lane, Grays, said the event, which was organised in conjunction with BBC Essex during its Tea at Three slot, was disastrous.

Wasted brew - Denise MacBeth, Julie Layton and Colin Travers ended up having tea alone Picture: ROB BROWNE

Representatives from the radio station travelled to the various hospices, including St Luke's in Basildon, to record live broadcasts.

The ambulance station decided to hold its own tea and donate proceeds to the cause.

However Mr Travers said: "In a word it was disastrous. Not one person turned up which was disappointing.

"I had paid for all of the food and tea as a donation but we did not raise a thing which was a real shame.

"You can make all of the excuses but it just didn't happen" he said. "When we hold car washes and things like that they are well attended but then they are normally at the weekend."

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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