THE Bury Times has teamed up with the Mill Gate Shopping Centre to bring people a dozen reasons to be cheerful in 2016.

Store owners and staff at the mall have bared all in 12 racy shots for a naked charity calendar to raise £5,000 for Bury Hospice.

Mill Gate centre manager Marie Gribben came up with the saucy scheme earlier this year and sent a tentative memo to retailers.

Three initial volunteers grew quickly to the cast of 24 staff from ten of Mill Gate’s shops, centre management, security and maintenance teams.

“After some initial shyness everyone had great fun at the photo shoots,” said Marie.

“It is difficult to choose my favourite photo, though the striking images of both February and August are fantastic.

“We hope our shoppers enjoy looking at the calendar as much as we did putting it together and that they buy one or more to help support the hospice.

“The team at Bury Hospice do an incredible job providing care and support to the terminally ill and their families throughout our town so it felt like the least we could do to raise vital funds for the work to continue.”

The people involved have posed for various themed photographs for each month, all of which were taken after hours in Mill Gate.

Many other Mill Gate retailers helped out with hair and makeup and props.

Lisa Durkin, former town centre manager for Bury and owner of Place Shaper, was responsible for taking the photographs - which were all taken over a four week period in September.

With a little encouragement each of the retailers involved came up with their own creative ideas for the photos. Lisa, a keen amateur photographer, said: “I do a bit of photography as a hobby and for work, but have never photographed anything like this before – so we were all a bit nervous about the ‘naked’ bit and I was apprehensive about how each shoot would work out.

“It required creativity, an open mind and lots of improvising. I need not have worried as everyone who took part was brilliant - no diva’s or tantrums – just lovely people who embraced the ‘nakedness’ and put up with endless smiles and poses for the camera so I could get the right shot.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this project, It has been great fun doing it and I hope it raises lots of money for Bury Hospice.” Surprised shoppers looked on as the calendar was launched on Saturday, November 7.

The calendars are on sale for £5 at various outlets at Mill Gate including customer services, the centre management office, Calendar Club and participating retailers within the mall.