A MARRIED couple hosted their Tea in t’Tardis to raise money for a cancer charity.

Phyllis and Lawrence Gilbertson, 68 and 69, opened up their backyard Tardis to the public for a tea party on to raise money for Rosemere cancer foundation, as part of the charity’s 20th anniversary appeal.

The Tardis, which is actually a specially-adapted garden shed, was built by Mr Gilbertson for their grandson Jake, now 17, who was a Dr Who super fan in his younger days.

Although Jake has since grown out of it, the Gilberts still have people popping in to drink tea in the famous blue box.

Mrs Gilbertson said: “I’m not really a massive Dr Who fan, but I needed a new garden shed and at that point I didn’t really care what it looked like.”

The blue box can seat seven and is decked out with Dr Who posters and memorabilia.

It has been the venue of their annual T in t’Tardis event since 2011, where they serve afternoon tea complete with handmade Dr Who character biscuits.

They also sell raffle tickets, cakes and handmade gifts, with all proceeds going to Rosemere Cancer foundation.

This year, the big-hearted couple raised nearly £200 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, in memory of their beloved daughter Denise, who died of cancer six years ago aged just 37-years-old.

Mrs Gilbertson said: “It was her idea to use it to make money, she had a heart of gold,

“I think she would have been really pleased with the money we’ve managed to raise.”

Rosemere Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that supports cancer treatments throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria, working with local clinical staff to achieve the best possible care for cancer patients.

Mrs Gilbertson said: “The Rosemere people were fantastic They were there for us through Denise’s illness and after. They don’t just treat the patient, they treat the family.”

Mr and Mrs Gilbertson have no firm plans to host the event last year, as it is becoming more difficult to host as they get older.

She said “I don’t think we will be doing it next year, its such a lot of work. Then again, we’ve said nearly every year so you never know.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer with Rosemere visit www.rosemere.org.uk/events-appeals