A SPECIAL dragon boat team is busily preparing to paddle its way to victory at its first event in June.

The Worcester Busters is an all-women team for breast-cancer survivors.

It was launched by Sue Shackleton, of Albert Road, Malvern, who beat the disease herself and wanted to form the team as a support group.

Her team, made up of breast cancer survivors, their friends and family, will compete in the Race the Dragon Regatta at Worcester Racecourse, on Sunday, June 17.

After an appeal for team members in The Malvern Gazette, she now has 18 former cancer patients on her list, eight of whom are from the Malvern area. However, she is still looking for more people to take part.

"The team will be about 16 on the day, and although I have 18 on my list, not all of them will be able to make it," said Mrs Shackleton, aged 47.

"Ideally, I'd like to have about 50 on my list."

Mrs Shackleton said dragon boat racing was a great sport for breast cancer survivors, keeping the post-surgery areas supple, mobile and strong.

The team is looking for sponsors and will be raising money for a proposed new breast care unit in Worcester.

Anyone interested in sponsoring, or joining the team, can call Sue Shackleton, on 07810 507100.