It’s not the obvious way to mark a milestone by a bowel screening team, but colleagues decided to celebrate – with a cake.

Not just that, it was decorated complete with a patient lying face down waiting for an examination.

The West Kent and Medway Bowel Screening Team, which looks after patients in Gravesham, Dartford and beyond, have clocked up their 10,000th bowel scope in three years.

The tests are believed to reduce bowel cancer deaths by more than 15%.

Programme manager Serena Gilbert said: “It is a fantastic achievement to have seen this many patients so far, and to have had an impact in reducing people’s risk of developing bowel cancer.

"I often receive lovely letters of thanks about how supportive the screening nurses and doctors are at both protecting people’s dignity and putting patient’s minds at rest about this simple but very beneficial procedure.”

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer and the second biggest cause of cancer deaths. The screening takes 10 minutes and is free for those aged 55.

Those aged 56-59 can self refer by calling 0800 707 6060. The team works across five sites – Darent Valley, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Medway Maritime Hospitals and the Will Adams Treatment Centre, Gillingham.