OXFORD University’s top athletes are more used to showing off their sporting prowess.

But now 70 of them will be bravely displaying talents of a different kind in the Oxford Blues Charity Naked Calendar 2014 to raise cash for four student-chosen charities.

Student Grace Segall, a member of the fencing team who features in the February photograph, told the Oxford Mail: “It was a little bit nerve-wracking, we all had butterflies. But we were only exposed for a short time. It was tasteful.”

The 19-year-old, who is about to start her second year studying biochemistry at University College added: “I think it is really good and I am really impressed with some of the motion pictures, such as diving. There is a good mix of sports in the calendar.”

Sports featured nclude athletics, cricket, fencing, lacrosse, netball, polo, rowing, rugby, squash, swimming, tennis and triathlon.

Full Blues are awarded by Oxford University to its highest-achieving athletes, but the criteria vary between sports and some only permit the awarding of a half-Blue.

The calendar models have either been awarded Blues or been in contention for one.

Rebecca Bibb, a third year materials science undergraduate and full tennis Blue, said: “I did the calendar because it is an entertaining and unusual way of raising money for charity. “ The calendar features four mens, four womens and four mixed photos, taken by photographer and Oxford student Toby Mather.

Louis Geary, Oxford University’s RAG vice-president (events), said: “Naked calendars aren’t themselves a new fundraising idea, but they tend to appeal to just a small target market.

Cash raised will be split between charities The Oxford Food Bank, Education Partnerships Africa, Students Supporting Street Kids, and Giving What We Can.

  • The calendar costs £10 and is available to buy from the Oxford University Shop in the High Street.