Girl Guides host a special tea party tomorrow to raise funds to buy pumps for drinking water in Somalia.

Girlguiding Bermuda's event is from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. at St. Paul's Church Hall, in Paget, to raise funds for The Water Challenge.

More than 1.1 billion people, about one-sixth of the world's population, do not have access to safe water.

Girl Guide Island Commissioner Denise Woodhouse says: "Water is essential for life, good health and economic development. We hope that our fundraising tea will go some way towards helping the people of Somalia have access to clean, safe water. Water was the theme of this year's Thinking Day, held last month, which prompted us to start this project.

"We welcome all those who wish to attend the tea to come and help us support these people, many of whom live under very difficult conditions."

The tea party includes an Easter bonnet parade, entertainment, a fashion show and raffle prizes.

The Governor's wife Lady Gozney and Girlguiding Bermuda's Honorary President will be a special guest.

Tickets are $15 and are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lady Asser Hut at 292 0675 on the grounds of the Bermuda High School for Girls.

Proceeds from the tea and the Guiding units' fundraising will be given to Mercy Corps.