An Oxfordshire-based breast cancer charity has been awarded £1,000 in order to maintain its vital work in helping beat the killer disease.

Formed in Abingdon 30 years ago by married couple Dr Anthony Leatham, a pathologist, and Patricia Leatham, a former breast cancer nurse, Against Breast Cancer funds research into new treatments, early diagnosis and patient advice.

On behalf of the charity, trustee Jeanne Chattoe said: “We want to increase the survival rates of all breast cancer patients and, ultimately, discover a vaccine. I have lost a sister and mother to breast cancer, and been diagnosed twice myself, so I know the heartbreak it brings.”

Jeanne and her associates are the driving force behind Witney in the Pink – an annual fixture in the local calendar, which sees the whole town turn pink with shop displays and parades helping to spread the word.

Now, the charity has been selected by Persimmon North London to receive £1,000 through the Community Champions programme.

On receiving the news, Jeanne said: “That''s fantastic, I’m absolutely delighted. Thank you so much.”