ONE of the original Calendar Girls has bared her soul to fellow WI members giving them an insight into her life and how a small-time idea to raise money for charity was transformed into a blockbuster movie.

Tricia Stewart, who was one of several members of Rylestone and District WI to pose nude for a calendar, was invited to give a talk to the Weatheroak Group Meeting of WIs, which met in Rowney Green.

The idea for the discreetly posed calendar came about when John Baker, the husband of one WI member, was first diagnosed with and then died from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Members eventually agreed to strip off to raise money for Leukaemia Research and the saucy calendar was launched in 1999 - prompting a media frenzy.

The girls toured the world giving talks and interviews until eventually the film was made, Tricia's role being played by Helen Mirren.

WI member Denise Cashmore said: "At the last count £650,000 has been raised. The outpatient department at Leeds General Infirmary has been supplied with much-needed new equipment and on the wall there is a plaque in memory of John. A research department at Leeds University has been named after him and funded by Leukaemia Research.

"Tricia was an excellent speaker and we are indebted to her for giving us a brilliant night."