Report: Angela Danby

Locals have been 'turning the other cheek' to star in a calendar with a difference that's been launched in Burscough!

A take on the famous ‘Calendar Girls’, it features men and women from the village who have bared (nearly) all to raise money for charity.

Local Ron Snape is the brainchild behind it; it's in aid of North West Air Ambulance, Parkinson’s UK and Queenscourt Hospice and dedicated in memory of his wife Pauline.

He said: “Pauline fell down the stairs in 2013 and broke her neck. The air ambulance took her to Walton hospital, where she was put into a coma.

“Thankfully she made it and was doing so well but was then diagnosed with the most invasive form of Parkinson’s. I looked after her for five years before she passed away.

“After going through a bad spell, I dedicated myself to charity work and to the Tuesday Shoppers’ Service at St John’s Church in Burscough where I have met so many lovely people and started to arrange different events.

“I have also been lucky enough to make a record, with proceeds going to the air ambulance, Parkinson’s and Queenscourt Hospice. To date, it comes to £15,000.”

Pensioner Ron added: “I want to thank the lovely people of Burscough and beyond for all their help and support. God bless them all.”

* The Burscough Folk calendars are just £8 and available, in time for Christmas, from Cactus Ray’s in Burscough Wharf and Rosebuds bakery in Rufford.