Sandwell Council calendar girls strip off for charity

It is taking political transparency to a new level. Representatives of a West Midland council are the latest charity fundraisers to bare all for a good cause.

Members of Sandwell Council, including councillors Linda Horton and Lucy Cashmore, have been photographed for the Women in Bloom calendar, for Prostate Cancer and Sandwell Children's Diabetes charities.

Dozens of copies have been sold so far, including one to rail enthusiast and former Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman. And the participants say they are delighted with the results of their efforts. "We've had a very good response so far," said Councillor Horton.

• See more pictures in our gallery to your right

"Pete Waterman bought one at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC. I believe he was very impressed."

Priced £6 each, the calendars were launched in the mayor's office, behind Oldbury Council house, earlier this month – the same venue where the pictures were taken.

Featured as Miss February is Wednesbury councillor Olwen Jones, who is pictured flashing a pair of lacy black knickers, while in May Councillor Linda Horton, who represents Smethwick, shows her political allegiance with a Labour poster while sitting on a regal looking chair.

November shows Councillor Horton and Councillor Julie Webb, who represents Cradley Heath and Old Hill, sitting on chairs with a Union Flag and poppies draped over them, while Miss December, Councillor Joy Edis, who represents Friar Park in Wednesbury, is perched on on a staircase, modesty protected only by a strategically placed Christmas present and flowers.

"We haven't really had any criticism," added Councillor Horton.

"One person posted a message on the Express & Star website saying 'have you got nothing better to do?' but I would say to that person 'get a life'.

"It's for a good cause and if we upset anyone we apologise but most people are supporting us."

Councillor Lucy Cashmore, who represents Bristnall in Oldbury and poses for March, added: "It's something we never imagined doing, it was great fun, but at same time we are determined to raise as much money as possible for the mayor's causes".