A box of world champion pasties has been stolen from the back of a van in Deal this morning.

The baked goods, called Kentish Knockers by maker Jill Martin, were set to be sold at the Deal Saturday Market but never made it as far as the stall.

The 68-year-old astounded the judges with her yummy offering, winning first prize for her Betteshanger Big Breakfast Kentish Knocker at The World Championship Pasty Competition - held at The Eden Project in March.

Mrs Martin said: "We parked up on Duke's Street, where we offload our goods. I was going backwards and forwards while my husband stopped to talk with the stallholders next door.

"I asked 'Have you just taken those boxes out of the van?' but he said he hadn't.

"I can't believe that someone's nicked my knockers, but I know they're highly sought after."

Containing sausage, bacon and egg, Mrs Martin noted that a lot of effort had gone into making the six to eight Knockers that were pilfered.

She said: "The World Champion Betteshanger Big Breakfast pasties sell for £4.50 each, but it's not really about the money.

"The sad thing about it is it's a very trustworthy market where everything's so open and friendly.

"It's more about the fact that someone would do something like this.

Jill Martin on winning the World Championship Pasty Competition

"This Saturday market is brilliant and always has a great atmosphere, so it did put a bit of a sour note on the morning. We're going to be more vigilant in the future.

"But we're still here and having a wonderful time in the sun."

A police spokesman said: "Officers were called at 10.02am on Saturday, 29 June 2019 with reports that a quantity of food had been stolen from a car in Duke’s St, Deal. Officers are investigating."

The award-winning pastries are a rare treat on the stall, so Mrs Martin advised anybody interested in trying them to go to the market today.

Deal's Saturday Market runs from 8am to 3pm every week.