By Sarah Newstead

Last updated at 15:21, Friday, 12 March 2010

A naked calendar featuring Wigton folk in their birthday suits has raised more than £3,500 for charity.

Louise Rudd, Jennifer Armstrong and Emma McNeill pose for the calendar

Half of the cash will go to a new community chest launched to support local causes.

The calendar, which reveals traders from twelve businesses as the market town has never seen them before, went on sale last November.

More than 1,000 copies of Wigton Guys and Dolls flew from the shelves.

After production costs, the team behind the venture have donated £1,780 to the Great North Air Ambulance. The same amount has been put into Wigton Community Chest.

Denise Raper, of Wigton firm P2M, stripped off for the calendar. She said: “With the community chest we are trying to raise the profile of Wigton and encourage small groups that are delivering activities for the benefit of local people. Also, we want to help individuals who excel at something and represent Cumbria or Wigton.

“If they need assistance with equipment or travelling costs to take part they can apply for cash too.”

The calendar also featured staff from Station Road Garage, Toad Hall, Party Time, Glad Rags, Lightfoot’s greengrocers, Christies, Paisley’s the Butcher, The Glasshouse, Berry’s, Yummiez and the Water Street Squash and Fitness Club.

Jennifer Armstrong, owner of Yummiez on King Street, bared all with her two members of staff. She said: “I was nervous but the shoot was great. We had great fun, getting our hair and makeup done beforehand.”

Ms Raper added: “It was a fantastic experience and people are still talking about it in the town. Obviously with a calendar, they see a different picture every time they turn to a new month.

“It’s been a great success.”

Local artist Jude Stoll acted as official photographer and around 60 local businesses paid to advertise or to sponsor the calendar.

The team are considering a calendar for 2011.

To apply for cash from the community chest, contact Ms Raper on 016973 49483.

First published at 14:13, Friday, 12 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk