IT was a much-needed treat they all deserved.

Children suffering cancer were treated to a special tea party organised by Romsey firefighters and their families after a day out at Paultons family theme park.

And they were even treated to a ride on vintage fire engines belonging to members of the Southern Branch of the Fire Service Preservation Group before Saturday’s tea party at Romsey Fire Station. The kids, who are undergoing treatment at the Piam Brown Cancer ward at Southampton General Hospital, loved the party which was paid for by donations from local people and organisations. They had plenty of activities to put smiles on their faces including the Funky Playbus and Romsey Old Cadets who were dressed in Knights outfits laid on a special performance for them. Romsey, Chandler’s Ford and District Round Table contributed £400 towards the cost of the party and its chairman Brian Stickly said he was delighted the organisation was able to support the tea party.

He said: “All of us at Romsey, Chandler’s Ford and District Round Table are pleased to have been able to support Romsey Fire Station with funding towards the annual tea party held by Romsey firefighters for the children of the Piam Brown Ward. We met a few of the fundraisers at the party on Saturday and it is great to see such a well supported local event with support from the Fire Station, Wessex Cancer Research, Romsey Old Cadets Band and organisers alike.”

Romsey fire station watch manager Antony Hurle praised all the people who donated food and other items for the party so that the children who were treated to pizzas and other goodies could enjoy themselves.

Mr Hurle said: “On behalf of the firefighters and families at Romsey fire station I would like to say I am very grateful to all of the organisations and people who donated goods, funds and their time in order to give these children a wonderful day. Without such kindness from our community such an event would not be possible.”

He pointed out that food that was not eaten at the party was donated to the Society of St James homeless charity in Southampton.