THIS HUNKY Basildon firefighter has got his kit off to pose for a calendar to raise money for charity.

Luke Purvis, 34, agreed to take part in the Original British Firefighters calendar 2009, to help raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.

The charity is dedicated to looking after firefighters and their families in times of hardship and illness, providing them with resources such as therapy and rehabilitation.

As well as being Mr July, Luke regularly takes part in other fundraising activities for the Fire Fighters Charity, such as fire station quiz nights and dances.

He said: “The charity is something which is very close to every firefighter’s heart.

“It’s a very good cause, especially when you think we’ve lost 23 firefighters in the UK since 2003.”

Although he’s been in the fire service for three years, this was Luke’s calendar debut and he said he enjoyed the experience.

He said: “The day of the photoshoot was good fun.

“I went to the photographer’s house to do the shoot, and he directed it with the fire engine behind me.”

Sub Officer Bryan Mansfield, who has been stationed at Basildon fire station for 24 years, said: “Luke has the full support of the station for doing the calendar.

“There’s been a lot of mickey taking, but we all know how important it is.”

Luke’s hobbies include fishing, thai boxing and body building.

But as well as all this, he is also a pretty good firefighter and he loves being stationed in Basildon.

He said: “It’s a good, vibrant station and a great environment to work in.

“They’re not getting rid of me now.”