A Beckenham woman is part of a trial to test a boundary pushing vaccine for terminal cancer.

Kelly Potter, 35, was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in July.

She had her first trial injection on February 9 and will have seven further visits.

She said: "Although I had excellent treatment at Guy's Hospital where the cancer was stabilised, it had already spread to spots on my liver and lungs.

“So when I was told that I may be eligible for this trial, I was delighted.

"When I read the leaflet about the Vaper trial, it struck me that it seemed a bit of breakthrough and that if it worked, it could be a revolution in the treatment of cancer.

"To be part of the trial has changed my life for the better. It's been a very positive experience and really interesting.

“I feel honoured to be involved."

Scientists hope the vaccine will stimulate the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.

Professor Hardev Pandha, who is leading the trial at the Surrey Cancer Research Institute, said: "We know that the immune system in patients with advanced cancer is suppressed, so it's unable to recognise and kill cancer cells.

"In this trial we are investigating a form of immunotherapy designed to activate the body's immune system by administration of a vaccine based on fragments of a key cancer protein."

Patients will also use a stimulating cream applied to the injection site, low-dose chemotherapy tablets and some people will also have a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

Life sciences minister George Freeman said: "This trial is pushing new boundaries for potential cancer treatments, and brings new hope for patients in the fight against cancer.

Ms Potter said: "My hope for the future is to beat the cancer for as long as I can and, if I can't, I have come to terms with that.

"I would like to go on and inspire others with cancer."