GRIMSBY firefighters gave the sales of their charity calendar a boost when they promoted it in person for the first time.
As reported, staff from Cromwell Road Station have stripped off in aid of Motor Neurone Disease and are starring in their own calendar which hit the shops this week.
Striking a variety of poses, the calendar has a mix of sensitive, artistic, comical and sexy poses from the men, and are being sold in stores for just £8 or two for £14.
The calendar has been on sale for a few weeks, but when the firemen turned up in person to sell it, sales – unsurprisingly – soared, raising £200 in one morning at the Hewitts Circus Tesco store.
Branch chairperson and station clerk Lisa Blow was the brains behind the brawn, and hopes everyone enjoys it.
She said: "We really needed to raise some much-needed funds for the branch and I wanted something that would really catch everyone's attention to help raise awareness, but also be fun.
"The photo-shoot took place at the station back in July. The day went without a hitch and was great fun.
"Considering no one has any experience in front of the camera, the firefighters look really relaxed and they were all thrilled with the finished photographs.
"We raised £200 at the weekend, which is great considering it is still fairly early in the year for calendars."
The firefighters will join the charity on a number of promotional dates, the next one being on Monday morning, at Morrisons.
Firefighter Steve Gritten, struck a moody pose for his Mr May shot. He said: "We did one 10 years ago, but I wasn't in it – I was too good looking back then!
"I enjoyed the day. It helps that I love taking my clothes off, too!
"We didn't feel like models, we just had a laugh. We do a lot for charity, especially the smaller charities that don't get much support."
Crewmate Sean Carley appears in the calendar three times – in April, October and December.
He said: "It was the first time I have done anything like this. It was a fun day – everyone enjoyed themselves.
"I haven't really thought about the fact we will be hanging up in people's houses, but my kids keep saying 'Daddy's in a calendar'."
Mr November Ricky Hoult is grateful he lives out of town.
"I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for charity," he said. "It's a good laugh and luckily I am from Hull and it isn't being sold over there! It put my mind at ease!"
St Andrew's Hospice is also selling the calendars and will benefit from 25 per cent of sales made on their premises.
The calendars are being sold around town, including Grimsby and Immingham East Fire Stations and Grimsby Telegraph's reception. Enquiries can also be sent to lisablow@btinternet.com or 07824 506894. Check out www.facebook.com/FireServiceCalendarMnd.
