TEN brave women enjoyed two days of fly fishing at the Arundell Arms, Lifton, last weekend.

They were participants in 'Casting for Recovery UK and Ireland, an outdoor-based programme designed for women who have, or have had, breast cancer.

Casting for Recovery provides fly fishing programmes at idyllic retreats around the UK and Ireland.

This was the second retreat to be held at the Arundell Arms, and organisers said its reputation as a beautiful sporting hotel made it the perfect choice again.

Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a retreat.   They take place over two-and-a-half days and all accommodation, meals, counselling, and professional instruction are provided at no cost to participants.

Trained medical staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times. The Countryside Alliance is a major financial backer and all fishing tackle and appropriate clothing is provided by Orvis UK.

Fly fishing is a gentle exercise which requires no strength and is exactly the sort of exercise in which recovering breast cancer patients can participate safely.

In the UK and Ireland it began in 2006 and more than 180 women have now been through the programme of 13 retreats.

Co-ordinator Sue Hunter, who recovered from breast cancer to become an international gold medallist fly fisher, said:  'It was wonderful to return to the Arundell Arms, which perfectly captures what the programme is about: tranquillity, fun, friendship and fishing in a beautiful environment.

'I cannot thank Arundell Arms owner Anne Voss-Bark and her team enough for their warm hospitality and for giving the lady participants such an unforgettable experience.'

Ladies interested in joining a retreat can email Sue Hunter at [email protected]">[email protected]