Ulster's very own Calendar Girls have stripped off in order to raise money for a local cancer charity.

Ten women from the Ballymoney area almost bared all for the snaps on behalf of the Aileen McCann Cancer Foundation (TAMCF) - a charity aimed at raising awareness of cancer, particularly in young people.

The local lasses got the idea from the hit film Calendar Girls, featuring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, which is based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research under the auspices of the Women's Institute.

All of those featured in 'Lights of the North 2009' have been personally affected by cancer and some have lost a loved one to the disease.

Alongside their pictures, a number of the girls have penned tributes to lost friends and family members as well as their reasons behind getting involved in the venture.

Generous businesses in the area clubbed together in order to raise the money to produce the calendar, and TAMCF vice chairperson Donna McKeown - who appears as Miss July - is delighted with the result.

'When we first came up with the idea a lot of people were apprehensive,' said Donna.

'But I said I wouldn't expect them to do anything I wouldn't.

'It's a small community around here so people were very nervous but the calendar looks fantastic and is very professional and tasteful.

'They were a terrific bunch of girls to work with and we had a real hoot putting it together.'

Donna, 37, said she hopes the calendars will raise both money and awareness of the killer disease which will affect one in three people in their lifetime.

As well as the picture and story, each month focuses on one aspect of cancer and advises on the signs to look out for.

'Early detection is the key,' said Donna.

'Hopefully people will get the calendar, see any signs and get checked out if they have concerns.'

The photos were snapped at different locations in the north Antrim area including Dunluce Castle, the River Bann and Leslie Hill Open Farm in Ballymoney.

TAMCF was set up in memory of 16-year-old Aileen McCann who passed away in March 2006 following a 12 month battle with the disease.

Aileen's mother Karen and best friend Odhran Darragh, 18, founded TAMCF, based in Kilrea, the following year.

'Some people have the belief that cancer will never affect them,' said Odhran, who is chairperson of the charity.

'It is vital everyone is alert and aware of the symptoms of cancer.'

The calendars will be officially launched at a special night in the Bushtown House, Coleraine next month.

The majority of the money from sales of the calendars - which are priced at £6.99 - will go to TAMCF with 10% of proceeds donated to the Causeway Baby Unit.

For more information contact Odhran on 079 9930 4445 or the Aileen McCann Foundation on 028 2954 1892.