THEY took off their kit and made their town talked about around the world.

These are the Worthing women who stripped off for a saucy calendar to raise money for their team and charity Mencap. Worthing Ladies Rugby Clubhave now been rewarded for the publicity they won the town. Mayor Geraldine Lissenburg presented them with the 1997 Worthing Publicity Award silver salver for attracting so much attention to the borough. The women got their kit off last year to pose nude for the calender - with just the odd boot or ball hiding vital parts. The calendar was so popular it sold out straight away. Amedia frenzy descended on the girls and they twice appeared on Channel 4's TFI Friday with Chris Evans. Their fund-raising stunt was also covered by national newspapers and even had press coverage abroad. Mrs Lissenburg said: "I think it's great that these ladies did the calendar and promoted the town in that way. Good luck to them!" Flanker Kerrie Shields said: "I'm really chuffed, especially as we have beaten the Worthing Bears to it."

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