A coffee morning with a difference was held at Abbey Lane United Reformed Church as homemade cakes were served up by 14 waitresses from the Saffron Walden Girls’ Brigade.

The girls, some as young as five, dished up cakes, tea and coffee to their guests, and raised £310 which will be shared between them and church funds. There was also a selection of stalls, including a raffle, tombola, cake and book stall.

The aim of the event was for the girls to earn their own money to pay for a craft evening at St Mark’s College – this was achieved and the event will be held on Monday (June 23).

Organiser Karen Start said: “I felt it was important that they earned the money themselves so they could have this trip.

“It was an amazing and very well supported.

“The girls thoroughly enjoyed it, and the service they provided was incredible – so much so that we’ve been asked to repeat the coffee morning next year.”