HOW about this for a case of naked ambition?

Amateur actresses in Chorley are baring all for a special fund-raising calendar.

The sirens of the stage -- all members of Chorley Little Theatre on Dole Lane -- hope to raise at least £1000 from the sale of the calendars. The money will go towards refurbishment of the theatre.

January to November shots show individuals in a variety of theatrical settings including dance, make-up, scenery and box office.

Each picture is accompanied by a Shakespeare quotation. The group of 11 40-something theatre buffs light-heartedly describe their project as "a rude calendar displayed with the utmost sophistication and discretion".

Cathy Hurley, the theatre's business manager, suggested making the calendar -- which was inspired by a similar Women's Institute venture.

She said: "I had women volunteering saying 'I'll do it, I'll do it'." And despite a few nerves on the day, the photoshoot was successful.

Cathy continued: "We have been turned down for lottery funding, so we undertook to raise the money ourselves.

"We need to bring the theatre up to safety regulations, and create better disabled access. And we want to build a rehearsal room, office and social room at the theatre." She said the WI calendar had been very positive in the way it promoted images of women.

"We hope that our calendar will inspire other women to be confident and make them believe that life does begin at 40."

The calendar has its official launch on Thursday, October 12 at Cedar Farm Galleries in Mawdesley and will be on sale at the galleries, the theatre and Chorley shops, priced £6.

You can also buy your copy from The Chorley Citizen reception, Pall Mall. Cathy is appealing for shops to stock the calendar. For details call 01257 410297.

Chorley Little Theatre's next production will be a return of their sell-out "All Singing All Dancing" show, running from November 6-11.