Penelope Bloodworth, who runs the Wharf Inn in Fenny Compton, was diagnosed with the illness two years ago and has since been through surgery, nine months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy.

She and her husband Keith used to manage five other pubs in Banbury, Priors Marston and Rugby, but gave them up due to her illness.

The 52-year-old handed the Wharf Inn over to outside management temporarily while she was undergoing treatment, until she returned to work six months ago.

In September last year, during the period of outside management, food safety officers visited the premises and found a number of "hygeine failures", including evidence of an infestation of mice and a nest of shredded paper within the motor of one of the freezers.

At a hearing at Stratford magistrates on June 25, the pub was found guilty of not having a proper pest control policy and of a failure to keep a food premises clean.

It was also found that articles, fittings and equipment which come into contact with food were not effectively cleaned.

Magistrates fined the Penworth Pub Company, which owns the pub, £2,400 for the offences.

Mrs Bloodworth said: "So as not to worry me, the temporary managers did not tell me they had seen evidence of mice in the prep room.

"Unfortunately, before I found out about it, the health inspector came and saw the evidence.

"It was one family that had got into the store room - not an infestation and there was no evidence of any food being contaminated at all."

As soon as she became aware of the situation, Mrs Bloodworth closed the pub and did not reopen until the district council's environmental health officer gave her the all clear two days later.

The mother-of-three, who is currently on a five-year treatment programme, admitted responsibility for the failures but is frustrated by the affair.

She said: "I realise that there has to be a fine, but it is frustrating, because I would prefer it if the money could be used for something helpful - for a donation or to pay for staff training."

Despite the setback, Mrs Bloodworth is pleased to be back at work and regularly organises fundraising events for Myton Hospice.

She said: "It's much better here without the stresses of having four or five other pubs - we can actually enjoy it a little bit more.

"It's a beautiful canalside pub with a nice beer garden.

"I am very grateful for the treatment I have received and even though it has been stressful, with family support, you deal with what comes to you."

Anyone is welcome to take part in, visit or volunteer at car boot and plant sales at the pub tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday from 9am until noon.

Pitch fees and proceeds will be donated to Myton Hospice. Call 01295 770332.