A PHOTOGRAPHER has managed to bring the simple cuppa to life after enjoying a speciality tea in a seaside deli.

Saltburn-based Ian Crockett’s image was re-tweeted across Europe and the UK by specialist tea-makers Flora Tea after he had his blast of inspiration in Real Meals in the town.

He said: “I was looking to take a photo of a glass down by the pier, but wanted to do something a little different. I was having a coffee in Real Meals, saw another customer with one of these teas, and the idea just leapt out at me.

“It’s an unusual cuppa to say the least, which in turn makes for an unusual photo.

“For a start, it’s served in a large crystal wine glass rather than a builders mug - and it’s a visual treat as much as anything, with a flower emerging in the glass as the tea brews.”

He tweeted the photo direct to Flora Tea, who quickly retweeted, describing the photo as ‘stunning,’ ‘artistic’ and ‘beautiful.’