What a cheek! Fun calendar is winner

A DARE-to-bare calendar is set to net thousands of pounds for charity.

Dozens stripped off to star in a “Bottoms Up” calendar to raise money for Oldham Cancer Support Centre.

The charity’s fundraising manager, Bev Heap, is over the moon with the result, and sent a resounding thumbs-up to the game sports who made it possible.

“The photoshoots were absolutely hilarious and the men were fearless. I have seen more bottoms in a month than I have seen in my whole life,” she laughed.

“It has been a runaway success, people were clamouring to be a part of it.”

A raft of local businesses volunteered for the racy snapshots which Bev has pulled together for the glossy 2011 calendar.

Sponsored by brewers JW Lees and Frank Rothwell’s Manchester Cabins, the first run of 2,000 is sure to be a sell-out, and Bev is already planning a reprint.

The calendar features workers from Winos and Garforth Glass, Saddleworth Morris Men, and owners and staff at Saddleworth restaurants and pubs Fresca, Hare and Hounds, Wellington, King William IV, Clough Manor, White Hart, Church Inn, Dinnerstone, The Old Bell Inn, The Three Crowns, and the Granby Arms.

And it highlights key dates for local events, such as Saddleworth Beer Walk, Whit Friday Walks and the Band Contest, Saddleworth Rushcart Festival, Uppermill Christmas lights switch-on, and Ladies race-day luncheons.

The calendar was launched at the White Hart, Lydgate, at a charity event which raised £5,000 for Oldham Cancer Support Centre.

Bev said she was amazed at the massive support for the £50-a-head event, which included a meal, a cabaret and an auction, and was a sell-out with 120 people there.

She said: “It was absolutely wonderful, and I would like to say a big thank-you to the evening’s sponsors, Oldham Motor Company and Saddleworth Round Table and to everyone who came and supported us.

“It was a wonderful night and people were so generous.”

The first opportunity to buy a copy will be today at a wine and tapas evening at the Old Bell Inn, Delph, tickets from 01457 870130 or Winos 0161-652 9396.

Calendars cost £10 each and are also available from Oldham Cancer Support Centre in Failsworth Primary Care Resource Centre, tel 0161-906 2940.