FIREFIGHTERS from Chippenham who got their kit off for a good cause are well on their way to raising £8,000 after they sold 1,000 copies of their charity calendar in less than a week.

The two fire crews decided to produce the calendar to raise money for the families of their American colleagues who lost their lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

The men, who are delighted and surprised by the public's response to the calendar, are now glad they had 2,000 printed, rather than 1,000 as originally planned.

"We are quite amazed by the response so far," said temporary leading firefighter Jack Nicholson.

"In the first couple of days we were banking £500 a day and it seems they just keep selling and selling.

"People have said they really like it in black and white because it gives it more atmosphere.

"I think considering what we're raising the money for, it seemed more appropriate than colour."

He thanked photographer Glen Wood and local businesses, including the Gazette, who sponsored the calendar.

Now he just hopes sales will continue in the run-up to Christmas.

"If we sell all of them we will be on our way to making nearly £8,000 and that would be brilliant," he said.

To help boost sales the firefighters themselves will be selling calendars in Emery Gate throughout the day on Friday and Saturday.

The calendars which are priced at £4.99 each, are available from several shops in the town centre, the main Post Office, the Gazette office in Market Place or from the fire station in Dallas Road.