Deal has been acknowledged as the town most engaged with Breast Cancer Now fundraising at a national awards night.

The comment was made by the charity's director of fundraising Catherine Miles before she announced the winners of a new Impact in the Community award.

It was won by the town's very own Kerry Banks, Chantele Rashbrook and Mandee Castle who collectively have raised an astounding £291,000 towards research.

After accepting the accolade at the special event at the Barbican Centre in London, last night, Mrs Banks said: "We're truly honoured to receive the award.

"Catherine said in the whole of the UK they've never seen a community that is so engaged with breast cancer than our little coastal town.

"It goes to the whole of Deal for their continuous support of this amazing charity and for everything we all do to raise vital funds and awareness.

"You are absolutely amazing, Deal!"

Mrs Banks began fundraising for the charity in 2006 alongside her good friend Julie Mortimer, who sadly died from the disease four years later.

She carried on her voluntary work in Julie’s memory, establishing two annual walks in the town; The Crocus Walk every spring and The Stepping Out Walk in October.

She also organises smaller events and gives her time to deliver talks in schools plus teach people the importance of TLC - Touch Look Check.

Chantele Rashbrook runs The BC Girls, a monthly support group for women who have or have had breast cancer.

She is living with secondary breast cancer and is being treated with Kadcyla every three weeks to reduce its size.

She assisted the national charity with its successful campaign to prevent the withdrawal of the drug in 2017 and also raises funds and awareness through her annual Clifftop Challenge running event.

Mrs Rashbrook said: "It was a total surprise getting the award and I feel very proud to be chosen along with the others for what we do in our small town.

"I'd like to thank BCN for all their support."

Mandee Castle has been involved with the charity since 2016.

She said: "They have used my story many times in the media to raise awareness that breast cancer is not always a lump.

"Mine was a 'dip' and I have been happy to share in the hope that it might encourage woman to be more breast aware."

She also helped rally support to prevent the withdrawal of Kadcyla and has helped the charity promote its Breast Check Now app.

In September this year, she organised the inaugural 'Try Pink' game at Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club where players wore pink socks.

She said: "There is so much breast cancer in Deal.

"I doubt there is a family that has not been touched by it in some way.

"I am honoured to help raise awareness and funds in any way that I can for this amazing charity."

Rebecca Highfield, challenge events manager at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We cannot thank Kerry, Chantele and Mandee enough for their continued support of Breast Cancer Now, and the research the charity funds.

"Inspired and motivated by their personal experiences of breast cancer, these three incredible women have made a great impact in their communities, and have dedicated their time to raising awareness of breast cancer and the urgent need for research into the disease, by tirelessly fundraising, and campaigning.

“Between the three of them, they have raised over £291,000 towards Breast Cancer Now’s vital research.

"Their commitment and passion is invaluable, and will help us get closer to achieving our ambition, that by 2050, everyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer, will live and live well.”