Grease and flour a 7" cake tin. Sift the flour, spice, salt and bicarbonate of soda together.

Pour the tea into a saucepan, add the margarine or cooking fat, sugar and dried fruit. Heat until the fat and sugar melt then boil for 2-3 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly, pour on to the flour mixture, beat well and spoon into the tin.

Bake in the centre of a moderate oven for 1 1/2 hours.

Carlton Food Network http://www. Cfn. Co. Uk/