KNITTING might have a sober image — but the Knitting Noras prove there is a surprising amount of fun to be had with a pair of needles.

The group’s members have been photographed in the act of “extreme knitting”, and now they are posing naked for a calendar to raise money for The Christie cancer trust.

Lisa Brooks, aged 39, from Horwich, and pal Vicky Jeffery came up with the idea for the saucy shoot.

The Noras chose The Christie as their charity after one of their members made a successful recovery from cancer at the hospital.

But their story took a more poignant twist when, three weeks ago, co-founder of the group, Sarah Richards, died suddenly after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The group knitted bouquets for Sarah’s funeral.

The group has more than 70 members and ages range from just 10 years old to women in their 60s.

They meet on the last Sunday of every month at Costa Coffee in Victoria Square, Bolton, and on the second Tuesday of every month at the Blundell Arms in Chorley Old Road.

One of the group’s knitted landscapes, featuring everything from hot-air balloons to a pumpkin patch, is on show at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh as part of the UK DIY exhibition.

For more information about the group’s exploits, visit The Knitting Noras’ blog at nakedknitting2010.blogspot.com.