A spoonful of chocolate . . .

An afternoon of chocolate treats is set to raise money for Whanganui Cancer Society at Vintage Weekend.

Cleveland Funeral Home’s suitably named “Demise by Chocolate” will take place on Sunday at 2.30pm.

Co-owner Laura Cleveland says all proceeds from the $25 tickets will go towards helping those suffering with cancer.

All visitors will be greeted with a glass of bubbles, and an assortment of chocolate-based delicacies such as dipped strawberries, truffles, and chocolate cake.

“We've got a few cucumber sandwiches to cut down the c hocolate, which wil l be needed, fancy china . . . it’s just a really nice afternoon tea.”

There will be a gramophone to play a number of golden tunes. Anyone who feels generous enough to donate a little extra might get the opportunity to ride in a classic 1938 Chevrolet hearse.

This will be followed by a stroll around Whanganui's i c onic art deco Burnblea Chapel and Homestead.

In line with the theme of the weekend, attendees are all invited to wear garments of a bygone era.

This is the second year Laura and husband Craig Cleveland have run the event, after they were inspired by a similar chocolate-based charity meal in Napier.

“Its nice to have people come into the funeral home . . . for a positive thing. Some people have come in here for an unfortunate reason, so it’s nice for them to come back for something like this.”

The event aims to raise a few hundred dollars.

Twenty-five tickets have been s ol d with bookings closing on Friday.

Whanganui Cancer Society s pokeswoman Yvonne Cuthbertson says money will likely be used to make those in their care more comfortable. To take part contact Cleveland Funeral Home on 06 3455522.