SHOPPERS can make a hot date with a bunch of burly firefighters who have stripped for action for a good cause.

The 13 men, all based at Chippenham's Dallas Road fire station, threw caution as well as their jackets and shirts to the wind to pose for a glossy fundraising calendar.

Profits will go towards the appeal to help relatives of the New York firefighters who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. Wiltshire fire crews have already raised close to £100,000 for the appeal.

At Chippenham, the firefighters decided their latest fundraising effort would be light-hearted, and hope the 1,000 copies of the calendar, which should be available from December 1, will be a Christmas sell-out.

Temporary leading firefighter Jack Nicholson said: "This is your chance to see the firefighters from your local community in their prime."

The calendar, featuring pictures by Corsham photographer Glenn Wood, has been sponsored by area businesses, including the Gazette.

Firefighter Pete Crow was the first to strip down to his trousers and helmet for the shoot. "I rushed in and did my bit," he said. "I didn't know if the original plan was for everyone to take their shirts off, but I hope I spurred the others on."

The firefighters have to keep themselves in tip-top physical condition to cope with the demands of their work. Leading firefighter Darren Nixon said: "We're a fine body of men. You only have to look at the front cover to see that."

Mr Nicholson said a fun day was had by all. "It was all a bit embarrassing at first, but as time went on we were all applauding each other and getting into the spirit of things. Of course, it was all done very professionally and the pictures will be very tasteful. Most of them are with our shirts or jackets off, but that's all."

Far from being worried about women ogling their husbands and boyfriends, the men's other halves are backing them all the way.

Mr Nicholson said: "They're right behind what we're doing because they know it's for a good cause. We really hope we will be able to raise a good deal of money for our American colleagues."

Anyone wishing to order a copy of the A3 size, glossy black and white calendar that costs £4.99 should ring Chippenham fire station on (01249) 651624.