WORCESTER is in the grip of a tea revolution.

While sales of the traditional tipple have remained static, there has been a tremendous response to fruit infusion and caffeine-free varieties sales, which leapt by 30 per cent in 2005. Meanwhile, green teas have gone down well with city folk, with sales up 10 per cent. As January is National Hot Tea Month, we took the strain and tasted some of the funky flavours now available at Whittards in CrownGate. Our results are below.

While Whittards enjoyed record tea sales in 2005, and the quintessential English cuppa was this month named among the top national icons, the face of the traditional tipple is changing. Across the country, research by tea and coffee experts Whittards show the trade in green teas rose by 10 per cent and sales of fruit infusion and caffeine-free varieties leapt by 30 per cent in 2005 - while traditional black leaf sales remained static.

As a result of the veritable revolution in drinking habits, Whittard has an ever-increasing range of funky flavours.

Exotic teas are undoubtedly the order of the day.

Whether you fancy a January detox, a helping hand to sleep or even an extra boost to ditch the cigarettes, there is a tea to fit your needs.

No longer just a tasty, hearty drink, it can now help you shape your lifestyle - and its diversity is being celebrated during National Hot Tea Month.

Worcester's Whittards manager Jacqueline Mills has seen a rush on healthy green and white teas throughout the month, as people swap coffee for cleansing cuppas in a bid to cut caffeine out of their diets.

"Last year we had record tea sales and we often see a further rush in January as many people cut down on coffee as part of their new year's resolutions," said Ms Mills.

WE TASTED SOME OF THE EXOTIC OFFERINGS

To taste these teas for yourself, why not pop along to Whittards store in CrownGate on Tuesday, where a taste test is being held.

Silver Needle White Tea (£12.60 for 50g):

Originally reserved for the Emperor of China for its delicate and complex flavours, we found this tea to be too delicate.

RATING: 2/5

Organic Camomile (3 packs for £5 offer):

This is a soothing cuppa with light and subtle aromatic flavours. Caffeine-free is an added bonus to this cuppa.

RATING: 3/5

Irish Cream: (3 packs for £8):

Quite creamy with a subtle, warming aftertaste to the drink. Sweet and delicious witha wonderful melt-in-the-mouth quality. RATING: 4/5

Moroccan Mint:

(3 packs of loose leaf tea for £8 offer): The spearmint aroma when brewing was fantastic. Very refreshing on the palate. Just the ticket to quench your thirst. RATING: 5/5

INdian Spiced Chai:

(3 packs for £8):

Pungent cinnamon, clove and ginger with more than a hint of the exotic. It brought back wonderful memories of Christmas.

RATING: 3/5