A team of four women has become the first all-female crew from the Dover area to row across the Channel.

The elated foursome rowed from Dover to France to raise money for The National Autistic Society.

The crew - who are all members of Dover Rowing Club - are Rachel Whittaker, 40, from Whitfield, Maria West-Burrows, 34, from Dover, Jane Shorter, 51, from Deal, and Jo Hannam, 36, from Cambridge. Club colleague Chris Price is cox.

They set off early yesterday and took just four hours and 21 minutes to achieve their goal.

But what is even more remarkable is they were just 19 minutes behind the first crew - an all-male team of rowers.

Now the girls' team is on target to raise £3,000 for the Dover and Deal NAS Branch to help fund a new Youth Fun Club.

The club will provide a place where autistic children aged ten and over can go for fun, in the knowledge that they are in a safe environment where they can be themselves.

Dover and Deal NAS Branch Officer, Suzanne Green said: "Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition. Rowing the Channel will be such an achievement for the team and it is fantastic that they have chosen to raise much needed money for us.

"The branch and clubs are completely run by parent volunteers. We give our time freely but we need support so please help us by sponsoring these local ladies."

But first thoughts on the girls' minds - besides nursing their blisters - was to celebrate with a curry!

• Anyone who would like to support the crew and make a donation can visit www.justgiving.com/nasdoverdeal2
• The girls wanted to thank P&O Ferries, who provided their ferry home.