The entire nation is uniting in pink this October as the work of breast cancer charities is brought to the fore.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has returned and Kerry Banks, formerly Rubins, from Deal is among those getting involved with seven events planned.

The annual campaign is to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

The voluntary ambassador for Breast Cancer Now who started fundraising in 2006 said: "If there's one month of the year to support the charity, it would be this month."

Mrs Banks will be in store at Asda in Broadstairs collecting donations on Saturday before leading her annual 12k Stepping Out walk in Deal on Sunday.

It is from Julie’s Bench above Walmer Castle gravel pit car park to Chequers Kitchen Cookery School where there will be a complimentary buffet and a raffle.

People can sign up for £10 on the day and should arrive at 10am for a 10.30am start.

Painted pebbles by Penny Berkeley will be scattered along the route for walkers to locate and rehide. There will also be a medal for each walker, sponsored by Sholden Village Store.

Mrs Banks has been invited back to her old school, Dover Grammar School for Girls, to deliver a speech on her fundraising journey to the Past Pupils Association on Saturday, October 13.

She'll be hosting a pink fashion show at M&Co in Deal High Street on Friday, October 19. Tickets at £5 are available from the store.

The following day, she'll be rounding a team up at The Co-op in Moat Sole, Sandwich, for a day of fundraising including a raffle and tombola, before a final bucket collection day at Debenhams in Westwood Cross on Saturday, October 27.

The events roll into November too, with the fifth annual Wear It Pink Day at The Whitehouse salon in Victoria Road, Deal, on Friday, November 9.

The long term supporters will offering discounted beauty treatments and a raffle.

Mrs Banks said: "There's lots of opportunities to get involved, whether you'd like to join me in a sponsored walk, place your pennies in a pink bucket or hold your own fundraiser.

"It's great that not only do we have our own events in Deal, other towns in and beyond the district are doing their bit too.

"Our aim that by 2050 nobody will lose their life to this awful disease can only be realised if everyone gets involved.

"Anyone looking for inspiration please get in touch as I have compiled an A-Z of fundraising ideas."

To find out more or get involved, call Kerry on 07708913976.