A TOWN mayor, business owners, paramedics and a local Monster Raving Loony Party candidate are some of the many brave individuals who are taking part in a ‘Calendar Girls’-inspired nude calendar for a mental health charity.

Bernice Benton, from Llanwrtyd Wells, is well-known locally for her election campaigning as Lady Lily the Pink.

Now she is raising money with a group of friends for the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation with a message of body positivity during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ms Benton said: “We are a mixed group of individuals aged from 23 to 75, men and women, all shapes and sizes, all dealing with our own demons, health and mental health issues.

“We have all stepped outside our comfort zone and found joy, liberation and empowerment through first taking our photos, and then sharing them, initially amongst our small group and, shortly, with you all.

“Some of us have survived potentially life threatening and life changing illnesses (both physical and mental) many of us have battled with body image issues, some of us have written about our challenges.

“All of us want to help better people’s mental wellbeing and promote body positivity. Hence we have chosen BDD Foundation as the beneficiary of our own self development and achievement”

“Our models include our mayor, local business owners, Loony Party members, retirees, paramedics, some of the Llanwrtyd sewists, ex forces – we are a very diverse group.

“Our eldest model has recovered from pancreatic cancer, four hip operations and several life threatening infections in his hip. Another is a survivor of sexual abuse by a step-parent throughout her childhood, we each have our story.”

Organisers are hoping to receive donations and pre-orders while they collate the images. All profits will go to the BDD Foundation who have endorsed the project.

To show your support for the body positivity campaign, go to www.gofundme.com/f/BDD-lockdown-calendar-fundraiser.