Firemen have done it, footballers have done it and, famously, even the Women's Institute did it.

Now, it is the turn of university students to take their clothes off for a good cause.

A calendar is going on sale featuring 62 of them, from the University of Leicester, to raise money for cancer charities and the redevelopment of their students' union building.

Rob Hicks, 22, a graduate in American Studies who is leading the appeal for the building, said he had no hesitation in baring all for the camera.

Rob said: "It wasn't a problem taking my clothes off. I'm not shy.

"The calendar has become a real talking point, and people are really curious to see the finished product.

"I think people are a bit shocked when they see a lot of naked people on the wall.

"We put out a lot of promotional posters to generate interest and the men on the poster certainly seem to have grabbed the interest of the ladies."

Co-organiser Matt Evans said: "A project like this embodies a volunteering spirit that is essential to a student union's success.

"It is a great example of our students working together to better their union.

"The reaction we received when asking for models was astounding – scores were willing to get their kit off for a good cause.

"We think we managed to get a great array of models to show a good sample of our students."

All proceeds from the calendar will be equally donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, Everyman Male Cancer and the Percy Gee Redevelopment Appeal at the University of Leicester.

About £3m is needed to redevelop the students' union building.

David Morgan, the students' union designer, volunteered his skills to design the calendar and student Jack Stevens did all the photography. Both also appeared in the calendar.

The start of the building work on the students' union building saw the closure of the Redfearn bar, which had served the students at University of Leicester for decades. Pieces of it were auctioned off to raise money.

More fund-raising events will be arranged later in the year, including activities such as reunions, collections and skydiving.

The University Development and the Alumni Relations office are also working closely with the students' union to help raise money for the appeal.

The calendar, priced at £6.50, will be available to buy from the university's students' union shop on campus.

To request a copy, e-mail:

rag@le.ac.uk