A FOOTBALL club has unveiled a strip with a difference - in the form of a nude calendar.

Strategically placed footballs and other sporting equipment have saved the blushes of the first team at Darlington Football Club, who have posed for the glamour shots. Darlington is the first professional football team in Britain to make a naked calendar.

But the nude shots are balanced by a second, more traditional calendar, which shows team members engaged in on-pitch action.

The calendar is called Darlo Uncovered and has been shot by the club's official photographer, Les Hodge.

Team captain Matthew Clarke said: "The lads are all up for a laugh and although some of them were unsure at the start, those who were brave enough to go first led by example and the rest followed.

"Being footballers and team-mates we are not shy about stripping in front of each other after the matches, but we normally would not dream of letting Les near us with his camera at the time.

"It is something a bit different and it is going to be interesting to see the reaction of the fans on Tuesday night when they see the giant prints."

Mr Hodge said he was pleased with the results. He said: "It has been great fun and the lads have all taken it in good humour. The pictures have worked very well and we are extremely pleased with them, so now we all hope the fans like them as much as us."

Season ticket holders and sponsors will get an exclusive look at all 12 shots on Tuesday night, at an event at the newly-named 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

Huge prints of the images will be on display at a fashion show at which the Darlington FC designer clothing range will be unveiled.

Darlo Uncovered costs £9.99 and the more traditional calendar costs £6.99.

Tuesday night's social event is open to season ticket holders, sponsors and their guests. To attend, call (01325) 387000.

Club news - Sport and Motor