They are used to showing off their sporting prowess on the pitch but soon the Gloucester Rugby boys will be wowing fans with a different kind of talent.

The team has stripped off for a charity calendar to help Britain's war heroes.

In a follow-up to the 2009 Andy Hazell benefit calendar, players including current stars Luke Narraway and Olly Morgan have appeared scantily clad in army gear to promote the charity Help for Heroes.

Former stars Ryan Lamb, Anthony Allen and Marcel Garvey have also taken part in the initiative, Rugby Young Guns 2010.

It is one of a number of ways rugby stars are raising money for the charity which aims to help soldiers wounded in conflict.

Previous events have included the Help for Heroes charity match, at Twickenham last season, and there was also a Help for Heroes team entered in the recent Middlesex Sevens tournament.

The calendar is the brainchild of Ryan's dad, Alan, who runs Crouch and Hold, a Gloucester-based sportswear company.

Alan said: "I have always been in awe of the commitment of our armed forces and was surprised at the lack of support available to them should they become injured in the course of their duties.

"Having sacrificed so much for their country, I think it's only fitting that they're looked after on their return from duty.

"The players were really keen to do something to follow up the other stuff which has taken place.

"Hopefully we can sell a few calendars and raise some money to go into the pot."

Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in October 2007 out of a desire to help the wounded members of the armed forces coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bryn said: "Help for Heroes believes that anyone who volunteers to serve in time of war, knowing that they may risk all, is a hero.

"The charity has raised £26million in less than two years and is pushing on with even more determination.

"Thank you to all the young guns for their support."

The calendar is available from www.rugbyforheroes.org.uk

Help for Heroes will also receive a boost from a concert being held at Gloucester Cathedral.

It is hoped the October 7 event, which is being backed by The Citizen and its sister paper, the Gloucestershire Echo, will raise £10,000 for the charity.

The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, is sponsored by Ecclesiastical and Gloucester Quays and supported by Gloucestershire County Council.

Tickets, which cost £10, are available from Tourist Information Board, Cathedral Shop, Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, or from Pat Grant-Hudson, Help for Heroes, c/o Chief Executive's Office, Gloucestershire County Council, Shire Hall, Gloucester GL1 2TG.