WHEN grandmother Barbara Witts decided to raise money for injured British troops, she wanted to make a real impact.

So for the first time in her life, the 68-year-old from Berinsfield bared all for a charity calendar – and now says she will do it again.

Mrs Witts, a widow for four years, had only an Army helmet and some strategically-place cargo netting to preserve her modesty.

She was joined by a host of friends for the GRANaidiers Parade for the Heroes calendar, which has so far sold 800 copies and raised more than £4,500 for Help for Heroes.

Mrs Witts, of Evenlode Drive, said she was “gobsmacked” by the calendar’s success.

She said: “I can’t believe it.

“It seemed like a great idea at the time and it is something lots of other people have done, but we never expected to sell so many copies.

“It was nerve-wracking but a lot of fun. I had never done anything like that before but I thought it’s never too late to have a go. We are even talking about doing another photoshoot this year.”

She was joined by 12 other friends, who she first met while on holiday in Benidorm 15 years ago.

Even though they all live in Birmingham, the group has stayed in close contact.

Mrs Witts, who has lived in the south Oxfordshire village for 43 years, said: “They are a great bunch of friends and everybody was up for doing the calendar.

“Help for Heroes is such a fantastic charity and we all wanted to help it continue the vital help it gives our armed forces. The oldest person to be photographed was 84 and the youngest 46, so there is a real age difference.

“All the pictures were taken in Bournville, in Birmingham, and we had a great day.”

The calendar went on sale last September.

Mrs Witts has been selling them from her home and hand delivering them, and said she has received “great support” from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Vauxhall Barracks and the Prince of Wales pub in Didcot and the Crown Inn in Benson.

l To buy a calendar, please telephone Mrs Witts on 01865 341139.

dhearn@ oxfordmail.co.uk