GAME women at a North-East shop gave their boss a birthday he won't forget when they showed off their own wares in his honour.

The women from upholstery specialists Conroys posed topless - albeit concealed by a 5ft banner - for a photograph to give their managing director Michael Conroy on his 40th birthday.

Even Mr Conroy's wife can see the funny side of the picture, which now has pride of place on his office wall in Birtley, near Newcastle.

"I have to admit I was totally taken aback," said an amused Mr Conroy.

"The photo showed the girls in a very different light. My wife wasn't too worried though, because they presented it to me when she was there, so I didn't get an ear-bashing."

The girls also had problems getting the photograph done. Mr Conroy's personal assistant, Julia Mansfield, said: "The hardest bit was trying to hide ourselves from the delivery men who had to carry sofas past us into their vans. We eventually managed, and are delighted with the final result.