Freezing temperatures did not stop this team of rugby players getting their kit off for a charity calendar.

Houghton RFC stripped off in a bid to raise cash for breast cancer research.

Their fund-raising drive has proved so popular that 200 copies of the revealing calendar sold before the final picture was even taken.

Charlie Plummer, 28, captain of the first team, said: "It's going really well so far. It seems to be a really popular subject.

"We're doing it to raise money for breast cancer research. A close friend of mine had a very close scare and it really does bring it home."

Mr Plummer, who plays centre, said more men turned up for the calendar shoot than they do for training, and that the calendar boys have vowed to strip off in the style of Brit film The Full Monty if their calendars sell out.

The calendar, priced £10, is available from the club at Dairy Lane, online at www.houghtonrfc.co.uk or by phoning 584 1460.