NAKED Spartans and cuddly critters will raise money for a North-East animal sanctuary this winter.

Enterprising staff at Darlington’s Sparta Security firm hope their latest antics to create a charity calendar will raise vital funds for Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary in Bishop Auckland.

Guinea pigs, dogs, strategically placed straw and an unenthusiastic cat were enlisted from the shelter to help Sparta’s staff create their calendar.

Rachel Bruce, who masterminded the project, insisted no animals were harmed during the photo-shoot and urged the public to support their efforts to help the sanctuary.

“We noticed the sanctuary were trying their best to help the animals but struggle as they don’t have enough resources," she said.

“We’ve done a few things for them already then I came up with this idea for a laugh after watching Calendar Girls.

“All of a sudden everyone said let’s do it and before I knew it, I was naked at the animal sanctuary.

“None of their animals were harmed during the process though they might have been traumatised by the sight of us.”

Ms Bruce said the organisation hoped to raise £1,000 for the charity by selling calendars – with photographs by Alex Robinson - for £10 each.

Bench Hut Design and Print Ltd will produce a small print run of the calendars which will be available in shops including Lifestyle Fitness, Stop n Tan and Sky’s Barbers from the end of October.

For more details about ordering a calendar, call Sparta Security on 01325 253135.