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

Once, Mandy Drake and her friends covered up their curves with baggy sweaters as they fought a losing battle against the flab.

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

Jeanette Lee, 48, from Barnard Castle in County Durham lost three stones before she agreed to appear, 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 almost 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 group were inspired by one member who suffers from breast cancer, and it was Changes slimming club organiser Mandy Drake, 41, who came up with the idea.

Mandy, who doesn't appear in the photographs herself, said: "We had no shortage of volunteers."

The group, who run clubs and meetings all over the North East from their Darlington base, were inspired by Esther Preston, 63, who has been a regular at 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, its a bit laugh really, and a chance to raise money for a good cause."

The calendars have been produced for the group free of charge, and will initially go on sale in the North-East.

Mandy added: "The age of our models range from 20s to 70s, I think the oldest lady is 77. There is something for everyone.

"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.