A group of slimmers were so thrilled after shedding the pounds that they decided to shed their clothes as well.

Mandy Drake and her friends used to cover up their curves with baggy sweaters as they fought a battle against the flab.

But after losing more than 42 stones between them over the past few years the women decided to celebrate their new-found figures.

Jeanette Lee, 48, from Barnard Castle, in County Durham, lost three stones.

She said: "It was always baggy jumpers and cardigans to hide my stomach in the past, but after I lost the weight I just thought, what the hell, I have nothing to be ashamed of."

Another member, Carol Robson, 33, from Darlington, lost nearly five stones in under a year. She said: "I would never ever have dreamt of doing something like this, not with my body looking how it did.

"But once I lost the weight I felt much more glamorous and lost all my inhibitions."

The women were inspired by one member who suffers from breast cancer.

Changes slimming club organiser Mandy Drake, 41, then came up with the idea for the calendar.

Mandy, who does not appear in the photographs, said: "We had no shortage of volunteers."

The group, which runs clubs and meetings all over the North-East from a base in Darlington, gained inspiration from Esther Preston, 63, who has been a regular for four years.

Plucky Esther, who had to have a breast removed after developing a tumour, said: "The girls have been fantastic.

"When I started there, I only needed to lose a stone and a half, and I lost that very quickly, but I kept going to the clubs because they are all so friendly.

"When I found out I had cancer they were all very supportive, and they were all there for me as I was going through the treatment.

"They are all lovely ladies and I think they have quite enjoyed doing the calendar.

"I would have done it before my operation, it's a bit of a laugh really, and a chance to raise money for a good cause."

The calendars have been produced free, and will initially go on sale in the North-East. Proceeds will go to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity.

Mandy said: "The age of our models range from twenties to seventies. I think the oldest lady is 77. They enjoyed getting the shots done because they had professionals doing their hair and make up. It was very glamorous and everyone had a great day."

Esther said: "I put an order in for a calendar, but my husband said he wanted it for work, so I'll probably end up having to buy two."

The calendars are available by calling Changes slimming club on (01325) 260060.