A Backwell postmistress who continued to serve behind the counter while fighting a personal battle with cancer has received a national award.

Carolyn Leach, 54, who runs Backwell Post Office with her husband Philip, was presented with the special Post Office Customer Hero award by TV presenter Kate Silverton at the 2009 People's Post Office Awards in London.

The mother-of-two was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram in October 2006 – just a week after her own father Tom had died of bowel cancer.

She had a mastectomy and then underwent a gruelling six months of chemotherapy.

Despite all her treatment, Carolyn remained at work with Philip, only taking time off once a week for her chemotherapy sessions.

The treatment worked and now Carolyn, who has run the Post Office with Philip for eight years, has check-ups every six months.

Philip nominated her for the award, sponsored by NS&I, and customers had to vote for her, describing why she was worthy of the accolade.

Carolyn received nearly 300 votes from customers – the highest in the region.

She enjoyed a champagne reception and lunch at the Royal Opera House before the awards ceremony at which she was presented with a special glass star trophy and £250 in gift vouchers.

Carolyn said: "I went into shock when they called my name out – I just couldn't believe it.

"I am delighted to have won the national award.

"I just wanted to keep positive and keep going while having my treatment and work was one of the things which kept me going.

"We are now planning to have some sort of party for the staff and customers at the Post Office who were so supportive of me when I had cancer."

The Customer Heroes Award is one of three honours in the 2009 People's Post Office Awards and celebrates individuals who are seen in their community as having exceptional qualities.

It also recognises people who have gone above and beyond to help others and have demonstrated exceptional individual caring and compassion for others in need.

Husband Philip, 56, said: "Carolyn is a real inspiration to me and everyone else."

The couple employ six staff at the Post Office and store as well as a team of paperboys and girls.

Mrs Silverton paid tribute to Carolyn at the awards ceremony.

Mrs Silverton said: "Post Offices have a special place in people's hearts and represent everything which is great about communities across the UK.

"Carolyn in particular has demonstrated how hard people in Post Offices work to build and maintain a strong, trusted and much appreciated business."

Post Office network director Paula Vennells said: "People depend on their Post Office to deliver not only great products and services, but fantastic customer and community service.

"Carolyn has proved that Post Offices remain very much at the heart of the communities they serve."