IF YOU'RE looking for a Christmas present with a difference, then look no further than Basingstoke RFC's special calendar for 2005.

The Down Grange-based club is currently trying to raise £250,000 for a series of wide-ranging improvements, including building a 290-seater grandstand.

A special fundraising committee has been looking at ways to raise money - and one idea that came out of the meetings was for the club to produce a calendar with a difference to boost the appeal coffers.

Twelve members of the first team agreed to strip off for the calendar - but don't worry, it's all been done in the best possible taste.

Gazette Newspapers - which publishes The Basingstoke Extra and is supporting the fundraising campaign - offered to do the photo-shoot, which took place at the club's Basingstoke headquarters.

Picture editor Jason Allen and senior photographer Sarah Gaunt snapped the players in various poses on the pitch and inside the clubhouse.

They then worked with a colleague, trainee photographer Tom Bellchambers, on adding a bit of colour to each of the black and white shots.

An initial 3,000 copies of the calendar - which have been produced by Basingstoke-based firm Microset Graphics - went on sale a couple of weeks ago, and they are selling well.

Sue Byett, from Basingstoke RFC, said: "Hundreds of calendars have already been sold and the reaction to the idea has been very positive. Orders are coming in thick and fast."

As well as actual sales, the calendar idea has also delivered another cash boost, as every page is sponsored by a local company.

It costs a minimum of £5, but buyers are welcome to give more if they want to. It is being sold through Basingstoke RFC and other local outlets listed in the panel on this page.

Dr Steve Tristram, Basingstoke RFC chairman, said: "The club is grateful for the support it has received from Gazette Newspapers, Microset Graphics and all the sponsors who have supported the calendar.

"By buying one, people will be helping us towards our goal of making important improvements at the club, and helping Basingstoke RFC achieve the aim of strengthening links with the local community and giving local people more access to facilities."

Where to buy your calendar:

Gazette Newspapers office in Church Street, Basingstoke

Linden Market, Old Basing

V&B Butchers, Oakley

Martins Tool Hire, Moniton Trading Estate, Basingstoke

Antonelli Jewellers, Church Street, Basingstoke

Microset Graphics, Tempus Business Centre, Houndmills, Basingstoke

Focus 21, London Street, Basingstoke

Olivers Fish and Chip Shop, Old Basing

Manydown Farm Shop, Worting Road, Basingstoke Alternatively, people can send a cheque for £7.50 (£5 + £2.50 postage and packing) payable to Basingstoke RFC, to Sue Byett, Basingstoke RFC, Down Grange, Pack Lane, Basingstoke, RG22 5HH, or e-mail basingstokerfc@btinternet.com