TWO Huddersfield area PR women exchanged business suits for birthday suits to celebrate a new venture.

Gill Haynes and Sarah Hall have joined forces to manage and publicise Calendar Girl Country, following the success of the award-winning film Calendar Girls.

Both helped the Yorkshire Dales National Park launch its 50th anniversary celebrations earlier in the year.

Now, freelance journalist and PR co-ordinator Gill has teamed up with fellow marketing and PR associate Sarah to handle the Calendar Girls account.

The Shelley-based pair will work on behalf of the National Park, Yorkshire Forward and Craven District Council to tempt tourists to the area made famous by the film. The movie was sparked off by the story of the members of Rylstone Women's Institute, near Skipton, who stripped to pose for a calendar in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund charity.

The Views Are Amazing was the name of the media campaign launched by Haynes & Hall PR to promote the scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, the setting of the film.

Gill and Sarah will also be helping the National Park to organise and promote a sponsored 25-mile walk involving the real Calendar Girls.

Proceeds will be divided between Leukaemia Research and a local charity.

"I'll swop my heels for hiking boots any day. Last year, I completed the 84-mile Hadrian's Wall Trail and raised more than £650 for local charities," said Gill, 44, a keen hiker.

Sarah, 40, who used to be PR manager for a medical device company, took part in last year's London `Moonwalk' in aid of a breast cancer charity.

She said: "It has been great rediscovering the Yorkshire Dales and we are full of admiration for the real Calendar Girls.

"It is very rewarding to be doing something so worthwhile and which we feel so passionate about," added Sarah, who intends to work alongside Gill on other PR and marketing assignments.