FIVE North-East breast cancer survivors joined hands this week to launch a campaign for charity.

The women are from Redcar's Living With Breast Cancer Support Group and are encouraging people to fundraise for Cancer Research UK.

They stood outside the Redcar branch of the charity's shop to launch All Women Together, wearing pink T-shirts and showing off the new Pinkie Ring.

Mother-of-two, Sharyn Clarkson, 52, of Redcar, has beaten breast cancer twice. She was first treated in 1994 but two years ago the cancer returned. The second time she opted for a double mastectomy.

Mrs Clarkson, who set up the Living With Breast Cancer Support Group, said: "We are living proof there are effective treatments for breast cancer."

The campaign is backed by celebrities including agony aunt Denise Robertson and Heartbeat's Trisha Penrose.

Statistics show more North-East women are surviving breast cancer than before, due to better research and treatment and early detection.

Cancer Research UK dedicates more than £20m a year to research into the disease.

Julia Haran, regional press officer for the charity, said: "We are the first charity to do the Pinkie Ring. We wanted a fresh take on the charity wristband."

More than 41,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.

The support group meets at Redcar Rugby Club, at 7.30pm, on the last Monday of every month. New members are welcome. For details, call Sharyn Clarkson on (01642) 487230