FIRST it was the Women's Institute in Yorkshire.

Then it was British Gas workers in Southampton.

Now male maintenance staff at a hospital in Winchester are trading uniforms for birthday suits - all in a good cause.

The lads from the Royal Hampshire County Hospital have posed nude, with only strategically-placed belts and tools to cover their modesty.

The estates team at the Romsey Road hospital are hoping that the saucy calendar will raise money for a staff trust fund.

It is hoped that £5,000 will be raised to go towards funding this year's and next year's staff Christmas ball, for the committee's annual fete and to buy new equipment for the department.

The man behind the idea, Doug Smith (pictured right), otherwise known as Mr October, feels that the sudden exposure is a good opportunity for the team.

He said: "After all, it's light hearted and just a bit of fun."

However, the female staff have also had a part to play in this steamy session of photography, by pestering the boys to take part.

Another participant, Steve Paddington (pictured left), said: "It started off as a bit of a laugh but they have been overwhelmed by the stir it has caused around the hospital. My wife laughed her head off when she was first told, but she is quite happy for us to do it. But I will not be giving up my day job, that's for sure."

Despite sneak previews having escaped, the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust workers will have to hold back until December 6, when the calendar is due to go on sale.

The team have not yet agreed on the month for each racy photo, although it has been suggested that they decide according to their birthdays.