IF YOU go down to the allotment today, you'll be in for a cheeky surprise.

The newly formed Laceby Allotments Association is starting a fundraising drive for community projects with a risqué calendar – showing the world gardening is about more than just marrows.

The all-male calendar will feature members of the association – based at the aptly-named Butt Lane.

The official launch is planned for the The Round Table's annual ball at The Hotel Elizabeth on November 14.

Association treasurer Jeanette Spittlehouse, who was behind the project, said allotment tenants jumped at the chance to show off their prize-winning produce.

She said: "Everyone was very supportive from the start. It won't be a rude calendar, certainly nothing anyone could be offended by, and it's just a way of showing everyone we know how to have fun."

The calendar, featuring gardeners of all ages, needs the support of advertisers and sponsors for its first print run.

Proceeds from the project will be used to build fencing around the allotments, as the gardeners attempt to involve their community in a number of green-fingered projects.

Chairman Rob Grabiniok, who will star in the calendar, said: "We're not rugby players – we're all different shapes and sizes – but we're not short of enthusiasm.

"We formed the association about a month ago as a way of involving the rest of the community in some of the things we do here and we want to hold events in the village and get some of the schools down here to learn more about gardening."

To sponsor the calendar or buy advertising space in it, call Jeanette on (01472) 872596.