CREAM tea is best served on china crockery at Nationwide after the Swindon-based building society smashed a world record while raising hundreds of thousands of pounds £100,000s for charity.

While organisations and schools across the town were taking part in the 25th World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care on September 25, the Pipers Way-based company were taking things a step further and inviting 691 staff and members to tea for 30 minutes.

They now hold the record for the World’s Largest Cream Tea Party after taking the biscuit from the former title holders, an Australian group of 536 people.

Bryce Glover, the divisional director of corporate affairs at Nationwide, said: “We’re delighted to be crowned record-breakers. It is a fantastic example of Nationwide working together with its employees, members, suppliers and the local community to make a difference.”

The event also raised £150,000 for Macmillan, which Nationwide has supported for 22 years.

“It was a great opportunity to celebrate our long-standing partnership with Macmillan, increase awareness of their services and raise vital funds,” said Bryce.

Bryce said: “Throughout September, employees and members have raised more than £150,000 for the charity, with activities ranging from cake sales through to a Three Peaks Challenge.

“The money helps ensure no one has to face cancer alone, so a huge thank you to everyone that got involved, including Old Town Rotary Club, East Wichel School and Goddard Park School for their support on the day.”

Catherine Morton, senior partnership manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Breaking a world record and raising over £150,000 is a fantastic way to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in a unique way and proves cake really does taste better together.”