WOMEN from a retirement community in Oldham have stripped back the years and bravely bared almost all for a fundraising calendar aimed at changing lives and mindsets.

The ladies - who range in age from 60 and 90, some of whom have endured their own breast cancer battles - posed in their birthday suits, obscured only by various props, for a 12 month seasonal spread to help the fight against breast cancer and banish age-old stereotypes.

The shoot was done free of charge by Lisa Marie Gee, from Studio G Photograpy, based in Yorkshire Street.

The calendar will be launched at their St Herbert's Court, in Wellington Street, Chadderton, on Friday (October 19) to coincide with Wear it Pink Day.

The proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research UK to help fund a cure for breast cancer.

But the message behind it is equally powerful with the women making a conscious bid to show age is no barrier and break down the stereotypes faced by the older generations.

Those taking part have all lived through different experiences of breast cancer.

Pauline Bate, a 68-year-old former nurse is currently going through radiotherapy while 69-year-old Megan Skibinski, a former fruit picker, has had a mastectomy after battling the disease herself.

The other ladies photographed in the calendar have all supported family and friends who have suffered in the past.

"Over the years I have been through a variety of different health conditions so to be part of a great project like this where we can contribute to the search for a cure,well, it just means the world to me," said Megan.

"We are all aged between 60 and 90 years old. It really just shows that age knows no bounds and to me – that is absolutely marvellous!"

The 'calendar girls' became friends after meeting at St Herbert's Court, a retirement scheme which provides housing for people over the age of 55.

The court is managed by Housing & Care 21, a not-for-profit provider of independent living for older people of modest means, on behalf of Oldham Council.

Tara Harrop, court manager at St Herbert's Court said: "I am so proud of the ladies involved; they have worked tirelessly to make this calendar happen for a wonderful cause.

"Many of the ladies are battling with their own health conditions or looking after loved ones with various illnesses but they continued to give 100 per cent commitment to producing an amazing calendar that we hope will raise lots of funds for Cancer Research UK.

"The calendar will also put St Herbert's Court on the map as a great place for older people to attend, get involved and have fun! They've certainly showed the great things that happen when a community comes together!

Councillor Hannah Roberts, cabinet member for housing, said: "We are delighted to support these ladies and congratulate them for taking part in this calendar shoot.

"We all know it's a bit of fun but by taking their clothes off for charity these brave ladies are doing their bit and helping to raise awareness of breast cancer.

"Please support their fundraising efforts and buy a copy of the calendar!"

900 copies of the calendar will be on sale at St Herbert's Court for £5 each following the launch party on 19 October.

Jane Bullock at Cancer Research UK said: "We wish the ladies at St Herbert's Court well in their fundraising ventures.

"Cancer Research UK relies on the generosity of supporters and receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step the charity makes towards beating cancer relies on every donation made."