NATURIST Mike Gould is definitely happy in his own skin so has no qualms about stripping off for a charity calendar.

The 67-year-old and friends can be seen in the 2010 calendar baring all in the snow, hanging out in gardens and getting all over body tans in the sun.

The calendar’s naked models aim to raise £600 for charity Action for Blind People and have already reached £140.

Mike, of Severn Avenue, Greenmeadow, feels comfortable pottering around in the nude at home and in his garden but would never venture into public.

“I do all my gardening in the nude,” said Mike. “Our garden is totally secluded – it is not overlooked.

“I am not an exhibitionist. I would not contemplate walking up Regent Street in the town centre as it is not acceptable in society. Not everyone likes naturism and that is fine.”

This is Mike’s third charity calendar – he raised money for the Prospect Hospice in 2007 and Action for Blind People last year. He started the calendar as an alternative way to raise money, as a heart bypass a few years ago now prevents him from taking part in other fundraising activities like running a marathon.

“It is an good way to raise money and also raise awareness of the charity,” said Mike.

One of his favourite months in the calendar is June, which shows him standing by a tractor.

“The picture with the tractor symbolises being at one with the countryside,” said Mike.

The flip-chart calendar is available for £10, or £11 including postage. Practically every penny will go to the charity, as the naturists have assembled the product themselves, with Mike’s wife Ann taking some of the shots.

Mike decided to support Action for Blind People, because his 16-year-old grandson lost his sight in one eye and is involved with the charity.

Mike wants people to throw-off negative perceptions about naturism.

“People should separate naturism from pornography,” he said.

“We do the same thing as everybody else but without clothes.

“Hypocrisy and innuendo is attached to nudity. Everybody is born naked and we die naked. Clothes are social dividers.”

To order a copy of the calendar, get in touch with Ann Gould at 54 Severn Avenue, Greenmeadow, Swindon, or by telephone on 01793 520211.