Colleagues from St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle have bared all to raise money for the Mermaid Centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, by becoming "The Colander Girls."

Inspired by the film The Calendar Girls, staff from medical records, following a conversation about featuring in their own calendar, decided to take the plunge by producing and starring in their own charity calendar.

“I sent an email out to all the female staff here asking if anyone was interested and the response I got back was amazing,” said Jenny Philps, medical records secretary, who came up with the initial idea. “Nine girls volunteered in total, with several others offering to help with locations, wardrobe and props.”

Jenny came up with the name The Colander Girls after clearing out her kitchen cupboard and finding a stainless steel colander, which has been affectionately named Colin and features alongside the ladies in the calendar. “My colleagues thought I was a bit barmy at first but Colin won them over,” said Jenny. "Colin makes a special appearance in each of the photos."

Jenny took it upon herself to contact local papers to see if there were any local printers who might be able to help them with printing the calendars. “Truro based BJ Press sent me a message to say they had seen this appeal in the paper and they were more than happy to support us with this calendar. Due to it being a charity calendar, they were able to produce them at a reduced cost,” said Jenny. “We are so grateful to BJ Press for all they have done for us, they have been fantastic.”

On the day of the photo shoot, the ladies went to Pendarves Woods in Camborne and Jenny admitted they were all very nervous about the impending session. “It took us a while to get in to it but after a while we threw caution into the wind and went for it. There were a few cries of ‘walker coming’ throughout the day, we might have given people a bit of a shock. We all agreed what happened in the woods, stays in the woods. It was such a great day, the sun shone and we laughed until we cried.”

The Calendar is now on sale for £7, with £6.15 from each sale going to the Mermaid Centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital. They are available at St Michael's Hospital or from Jenny on 01736 758820 or her colleague Jade on 01736 758871. They will also be on sale at The Mermaid Centre from September 1.