Sir.-On behalf of Basingstoke rugby club, I would like to thank The Gazette for its enormous support for our Stand Up 4 'Stoke campaign.

The rugby club calendar, with pictures taken by Gazette staff, has now sold approximately 2,000 copies and continues to sell in the various outlets around Basingstoke.

I know photographers Jason, Sarah and Tom spent a long time planning the photographs and the results are exceptional. Not only has the calendar made some money for the club's development, but the media coverage has also helped in our other money-raising activities.

A big thanks also to the 12 players who braved a cold Saturday morning photo shoot.

And I hope the calendar venture has made a lot of people smile.

I would like to also include my thanks to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, whose staff have prepared a top-class playing surface which should be ready for next season.

We continue to raise money and if anyone needs a last-minute stocking filler, the calendar can still be purchased through the Basingstoke RFC website.

-Stephen Tristram, Chairman, Basingstoke Rugby Football Club.