OXFORD farmers are being asked to swap the fields for the kitchen next month to help raise funds for charity.

An afternoon cream tea event will be held at the Barclays Agriculture offices at Wytham Court in West Way, Botley, with agricultural professionals asked to bring along their 'best bakes'.

Local farmers can show off their homemade scones, cakes and other baked treats to help raise funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). The charity gives out around £2million each year to farming people of all ages in financial hardship.

The cream tea will be held on Wednesday, June 6 from 2.30pm to 4,30pm.

Admission to the event costs £5.

For more information contact Suzy Deeley on 01865 811596 or email suzy.deeley@rabi.org.uk

Last year, RABI, whose national offices are also located in Botley, gave out grants of more than £32,000 in Oxfordshire.

Jenni Green, RABI South Central regional manager, said: “Extreme weather, illness, accidents, animal disease, family breakdown and bereavement are some of the reasons why people turn to us for help.

"Sometimes, it only takes a small amount of support at the right time to get someone back on track.

"We’re grateful to Barclays for staging this event.

"The farming community is close-knit and people know how to pull together.”

Admission to the event costs £5.

For more information contact Suzy Deeley on 01865 811596 or email suzy.deeley@rabi.org.uk