A Second World War evacuee collected �400 during an East End tea party yesterday to help raise funds for a memorial for children evacuated during the Blitz. Around 40 people came to the party, some of them fellow war evacuees, held by Martha Snooks, 79,

A Second World War evacuee collected �400 during an East End tea party yesterday to help raise funds for a memorial for children evacuated during the Blitz.

Around 40 people came to the party, some of them fellow war evacuees, held by Martha Snooks, 79, at her home in Stepney.

Martha said: "It was very lively and emotional, we had drops of wine, lots of food and cake, and sang Vera Lynn war songs.

"We had decorated the house with Union Jacks and banners, and the waitresses were wearing red, white and blue aprons."

Martha was evacuated aged eight from Kent to Wales for four years with her sister Dolly Biginton, now 77, who was also at the party.

Plans have been drawn up for a �1 million memorial of children carrying suitcases and bundles, which may be erected near St Paul's Cathedral.

Martha said: "There is no money from the government so we have to raise all this money ourselves. There are memorials to Winston Churchill and the soldiers, but no memorial for all the children who were separated from their families."

Donation cheques towards the memorial can be sent to the Memorial Association, James Roffey, The Mill Business Centre, Gringley on the Hill, Nottinghamshire, DN10 4RA. Mention Martha Snook's tea party.