A TEAM of breast cancer survivors has flown the flag for Dorset by coming 34th at the International Dragon Boat Festival in Canada.

The Daily Echo-backed Pink Champagne dragon boat team competed against 75 teams from across the world in the event from June 11 to 13.

Pink Champagne is a registered charity determined to raise awareness of breast cancer and empower those with the disease to think positively.

The team which ranges in age from 38 to 72 years old, practises at the River Stour twice a week.

In addition to providing breast cancer survivors with exercise, it helps them to forge new friendships.

Team spokesperson Jane Young said it had been a “fantastic” experience for the team despite sadly losing Highcliffe team member Barbara Brown to the disease before flying out to Canada.

A team from the Lake District was the only other British team taking part, she said.

She said: “There were over 2,000 ladies taking part, all at some stage of breast cancer or recovery. Out of 75 teams we came 34th. It is 100 per cent better than we expected. We would have been pleased just to participate. We felt like we were competing in Barbara’s honour.

“We had an absolutely brilliant time and the atmosphere was amazing.”

Their next aim is to bring the International Dragon Boat Festival to Dorset, added Jane.

“We were paddling along the River Stour yesterday evening and lots of people were calling out ‘Well done in Canada’ and ‘34th in the world’.

“It is such good exercise for us and we get the camaraderie. If anybody is poorly then we rally round but we don’t dwell on it,” she said.

For more information about the team contact Jane Young on 07881 411284 or Brenda Callaghan on 07976 712666.