THE Sidmouth Mummers launched their fundraising ‘slightly nude’ calendar in the town on Friday.

The calendar was revealed at the Swan Inn, as the first stage of the group’s Walk the Walk appeal in aid of Children’s Hospice South West. Members had supplied photos of themselves wearing as little of their play costumes as they dared, on a plain background, and those images were then placed into scenes using computer software. Appeal co-ordinator Henry Piper said: “There’s nothing rude about the calendar, it’s simply all good fun.”

The calendar costs �7 and every penny will go to the charity. Each of the months had been sponsored, thereby covering the cost of the first batch.

Friday was the first time members and their families had seen the finished product. Mr Piper said: “We gave the calendar out in envelopes and on the stroke of 8pm, everyone opened them.”

Walk the Walk is the idea of group member Russell Smith. For many years he has wanted to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. Now he has retired, and inspired by comedian Eddie Izzard’s completion of 43 marathons in 51 days, he is determined to do it. Mr Smith and his fellow walkers will be raising money for the charity’s Little Bridge House, in Fremington, North Devon. He and his family have long been supporters of the charity, as have the Mummers who regularly donate their Christmas collections to it.

He is looking for sponsorship from people and businesses in the Sidmouth area, and is hoping to organise fundraising events with clubs, community groups and organisations in the places he passes through. He will be writing a blog as he travels. The walk is planned to start on Monday, April 25 and should take about eight weeks to complete.

To find out more or to buy a calendar contact Mr Piper on (01404) 811491 or email henrym.piper@gmail.com.