A PENSIONER has overcome cancer to win two European Championship gold medals at the sport of dragon-boat racing.

Marion Eastwood, 63, of Glenmore Close, Baxenden, triumphed at the event in Prague this week, picking up first place in the 200-metre and 500-metre disciplines.

She raced as part of a 20-strong team in the senior women categories.

Mrs Eastwood, who is the oldest member of the team, only began dragon boat racing last year as a way to build up her strength after her battle with breast cancer.

Dragon-boating originated in China and sees 20 rowers sitting in pairs along a narrow canoe-like boat.

She said: "It is unbelievable that we won two gold medals.

"The training was hard but we did really well and it was a great experience."

Mrs Eastwood was joined in Prague by husband Gerald and cheered on at home by her two young grandchildren.

She began dragon-boat racing with a team of cancer survivors in Liverpool called the Pool of Life.

In June she went for a trial in London for the Great Britain team. She trains up to three times a week in Liverpool and competes in the over-40s senior team.

Mrs Eastwood, who was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, added: "It is a very strenuous sport but I have always been quite fit. When we were presented with the medals, they had the flags and the anthems. It was really quite emotional."