A CARTERTON woman has turned calendar girl to raise money for charity.

Rachel Sparkes, of Oakfield Road, was picked from thousands of competitors to take part in this year’s Goodbooks Girls Charity Calendar, where all profits go to Help for Heroes and other Tri-Forces Charities.

The calendar was launched on this month.

Miss Sparkes, who is Miss November in the calendar, said: “Representing the Goodbooks Girls Calendar is one of the proudest moments of my life. To have been given the chance to represent such worthy charities has proved to be more satisfying than initially expected. A moment of real reflection of the sacrifices our men and women of the armed forces make to serve our country.

“I am proud of them all.

“I did not enter the competition from a modelling point of view. I entered with the desire to help raise money for others that have been affected and scarred by our modern day wars.”

The 25-year-old accounts manager added: “Having lived right next to RAF Brize Norton all my life, in a town mainly made up of servicemen and women, I am constantly reminded of the reality of war.

“Help for Heroes is a charity very close to my heart, and is becoming ever more important to me. I have many close friends that are in the forces, who are constantly travelling to and back from Afghanistan and other war zone areas. I am delighted to help support our servicemen and women and I am looking forward to giving all that I can for 2010 as a Goodbooks Girl.”

To order the calendar, visit thegoodbooksgirls.co.uk