A GROUP of men from Parkend have stripped down to their underpants for a charity calendar.

The men have created the calendar to raise awareness of testicular cancer and all the proceeds will go to It's in the Bag, which supports men with the illness in the south west.

Organiser and Chair of It's in the Bag, Sue Brand said: "It's in the Bag raises awareness of testicular cancer and our latest sports-orientated campaign needed a launch! With the help of Tony Ball (photographer) we have captured sport to some outstanding scenic locations in the Forest of Dean."

Tony added: "There were two reasons I wanted to get involved, firstly was for a sense of satisfaction in delivering something worthwhile to a charity, the fact that many of the volunteers are friends as well made it that bit more fun. Secondly, the challenge of delivering some quality photography that made an impact and was different. I really hope I have achieved this."

The calendar features Kevin Vaughan, Bill Brand, Darryl Hook, Jim Crawley, Colin Laver, Phil James, Keith Mitton, Matt and Joe Aldridge, Ben and Luke Andrew, Arran Parsons, Jack O'Connell and Gareth Cook.

Sue said: "A big thank you goes to Michelle Powell, landlady of The Fountain Inn Parkend, for encouraging the men to take off their clothes off, Karen Aldridge for making the 14 orange Christmas hats, and Gill Ball for supporting Tony and also writing the excerpts about the Forest places."

Calendars are on sale at £10 at The Fountain Inn Parkend or at www. itsinthebag.org.uk/shop.