An afternoon tea initiative which saw sandwiches and cakes delivered to children by a group of dinosaurs has been hailed a roaring success.
Over the recent half-term, staff from Dolly's Tearoom in Darwen made deliveries of afternoon tea to residents, many of whom were children, dressed in inflatable dinosaur costumes.
Known affectionately as Dino, Rex and Tyrone, the trio pounded the streets of East Lancashire, putting much-needed smiles on people's faces, following the months of agonising lockdown restrictions which have left many feeling down and deflated.
The dino deliveries in Darwen were a roaring success
After the final afternoon tea was delivered, a spokesperson for Dolly's Tearoom said: "Dino, Rex and Tyrone are back home and safely in bed after keeping the children of Darwen and surrounding areas free from boredom this half-term.
"It’s been a really busy few days for them, and they’re off for a nap now."
A percentage of the money raised from the afternoon tea deliveries was donated to Darwen Food Larder, with bosses at the tearoom estimating the final amount to be around £200.
Delighted customers and Darwen residents took to social media to express their joy after spotting the dinos around the town.
One person said: "Saw these three yesterday on Bolton Road near the Shell Garage.
"I had to look twice when I saw them coming off the side street, and was smiling when driving past them - brilliant idea."
The dino deliveries in Darwen were a roaring success
Samantha Fergusson said: "We had a visit yesterday. They were amazing and even sang happy birthday to my little boy who was six.
"He loved it and we did too, and the food was delicious.
"Thankyou so much, it made a lockdown birthday fun."
Marilyn Wright commented: "Thank you very much my grandchildren were thrilled to bits with the dinosaur delivering their afternoon tea."
While Jill Nagle Timms, who lives in London but has family in Darwen said: "Amazing and great to be able to surprise family with this even though I’m hundreds of miles away and haven’t been able to visit for six months. Thank you."
But for those who missed-out or thought the dinos' appearance was a one-off, bosses at Dolly's Tearoom said there's more to come from their prehistoric friends.
The tearoom spokesperson added: "They’ll be back out to play this Easter holidays along with their very special friend the Easter bunny and the little chicks.
"Please look out for details on our Facebook page soon."
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