A GROUP of tractor enthusiasts plan to show off their vintage farm equipment and shed their clothes for a risque calendar in aid of charity.
The friends from Hamsterley Social Club, known affectionately as the Tractor Boys, will star alongside their vehicles, with only a variety of implements protecting their modesty.
Debbie Wrigglesworth, from the club, said the idea came about when photographs were taken after a tractor rally, where one of the members made an elaborate pose and was nicknamed Mr April.
It was then suggested they make a charity calendar.
Ms Wrigglesworth said: “One of the guys, Tommy Lee, said, ‘We will do it in the buff’. I said, ‘really’!”
The group decided to support dementia and prostate cancer charities through their racy calendar.
Mr Lee said the charities were chosen because his wife was diagnosed with dementia nine years ago and prostate cancer is becoming more prevalent.
His photograph for the calendar sees him with his guitar next to his vintage Nuffield tractor, which his father bought new in 1960.
He learned to play the guitar during the coronavirus lockdown and now joins in for a weekly Sunday sing-along around the fire at the social club.
His photograph was taken in a secluded field.
His cousin Bob Leigh, who collects rifles, also appears in the calendar.
He said: “I did it in my garage because I have houses around me – it was freezing. I am sat on my tractor with my rifle.”
Another member, Tim Elstob, said: “I did mine in a shed using an oil jug.”
“It was a gallon one,” he hastened to add.
Sheepdog trainer Brian Bell had his photo taken in a field and shows him leaning over one of the tractor’s tyres, but he is considering re-doing the photoshoot to include one of his dogs.
He said: “I’ve been practicing my signature for autographs.”
Many of the Tractor Boys are also members of Hamsterley Vintage Tractor Club, but have their own fortnightly ride out on their machines.
The calendar is due out later this year and will be on sale at Hamsterely Social Club.
The male glamour models range in age from the mid-forties to the late seventies.
