Volunteers bring tea and smiles to Portobello

More than 30 volunteers, including the Chronicle's own Emma Heseltine, spent the day serving tea, and providing company for those who needed it after the looting.

Kirsty Palmer, who helped organise the day, said: "We really didn't know what to expect, so the fact that lots of people turned up was fantastic.

"It was all organised really quickly, but we had such a good turnout, and it was great to bring the whole community together like that.

"We had more than 30 volunteers who came and helped us, and they were from all over the place. We advertised it through Twitter, but people from our own email newsletter came to help as did the Chamber of Commerce.

"It really was a fantastic day and all the volunteers were amazing."

Hundreds of cups of tea were made, with volunteers bringing their own home-made cakes as well as handing out those made by the nearby Hummingbird Bakery, who kept the market stall stocked with sweet treats all day.

Visitors to Portobello Market praised the work of those involved and many who had not left their homes since the riots started felt that they had a small safe haven in the middle of Notting Hill as they sat and chatted to volunteers and neighbours.

The nearby Salvation Army Hall helped by providing hot water, chairs, and a space for volunteers to take breaks if and when they needed them.

Councillors and MP for Kensington, Sir Malcolm Rifkind also popped by for a cup of tea, to show their support for community events in the wake of the public disorder.

Another stall is being considered for Sloane Square on Friday (19) - check back here for details.