SUPERMARKET workers are baring all in a calendar to raise money for charity.

The men and women from Asda have posed behind strategically-placed melons, beer and Christmas gifts for the calendar, which is launched today.

In a project that mirrors the infamous efforts of the Rylstone and District Women's Institute, North Yorkshire, staff from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, are strutting their stuff in aid of the Butterwick Hospice.

It was an idea that arose from a casual conversation between hospice fundraiser Sylvia Stoneham and Asda events co-ordinator John Bowman.

Mrs Stoneham said: "It is amazing. I am really, really pleased with it. If all the calendars are sold it will raise £5,000 for the hospice and that will be fantastic.''

Professional photographer Keith Taylor, of Spennymoor, who took the pictures, said: "I was happy to give my time for the project, because the hospice is a very, very good cause.

"The brief was that the pictures had to be in very good taste. Everybody who was in the calendar was fully dressed so I had to take the pictures at an angle that would make them look like they weren't wearing anything at all."

John Bowman, who can be seen hiding behind Santa's beard and a Christmas present, said that he was looking forward to the calendar going on sale.

He said: "We wanted to do something outrageous for the hospice that the whole store would support.

"As we are a daft bunch we thought this would be a great idea. We are just hoping it will be a success.''