Weston-super-Mare and people worldwide are getting ready to honour late television star Jill Dando, 25 years after her tragic death.

The week-long 'tea, coffee, and cake' event, as well as commemorating the life of the beloved BBC presenter, will also be raising funds for mental health charities in her hometown.

The week will commence on Monday, April 22, and will be dedicated to the her memory as people indulge in a variety of cakes over cups of tea and coffee, while discussing her life and lasting legacy.

Ms Dando, who was fond of coffee and walnut cake, was known for her positivity, enthusiasm, humility, empathy, and ambition, earning her the title of the ‘smiling face of Britain’.

The event will be hosted in several popular venues, including The Grand Pier and Revo Kitchen & Terrace, both of which have committed to donating £2 from each cake sold during the week to the selected charities.

Michelle Michael, director of The Grand Pier, said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Jill Dando News and the celebrations of Jill’s fantastic life and expanding legacy.”

Multiple schools and churches have also agreed to participate, including the Clarence Park Baptist church which hosted her funeral.

Her older brother Nigel said: "Jill has been an inspirational figure, not least for all the students involved with the news centres which bear her name.

"The tea and cake scheme is a wonderful idea, not least because it will benefit a number of good causes.

"And of course coffee and walnut cake was a big family favourite."

Charitable donations from the fundraiser will also support the development of a library in Malawi, Africa, where a Jill Dando News Centre has recently launched.

The Jill Dando News project has been a significant inspiration to hundreds of children aged seven to 18 across Somerset and into Africa, since its inception at her former school, Worle Academy, in 2017.

The project focuses on writing positive news stories with training by professional journalists including Nigel Dando, Fiona Bruce and others from BBC, ITV and Sky News.

The project has been backed by two Prime Ministers, Mr Speaker, and other figures worldwide, with many young journalists having gained training and experience through it.

Olivia Finch, the first Jill Dando News reporter at Worle Academy, who is currently studying to become a doctor at Bristol University, said: "Jill inspired us from day one with her life.

"Jill Dando News is a fitting, expanding legacy for Jill who really was ‘the smiling face of Britain."

Mr Speaker also acknowledged the project, stating: "I loved meeting the Jill Dando News reporters - their project of spreading positivity, good news and kindness is a vital message for our times."

People who are unable to leave their homes are being encouraged to enjoy a tea, coffee and cake to remember the life and legacy of Ms Dando.