AN USK farmer is appearing in a new charity calendar to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The calendar features Mark Williams, 33, on his Monmouthshire hillside home, Tump Farm, that he runs with his father Glynn.

Mr Williams poses as “January 2009” in the calendar produced by Tesco to showcase local suppliers from across England and Wales who are part of the Tesco Local Sourcing initiative.

Currently the Wales Young Farmers Chairman, Mark and his family farming business have an early lambing flock of 450 and a late lambing flock of 500 ewes.

The family business is currently recovering after a blaze caused around £250,000-worth of damage and gutted two barns at the farm on Monday (October 27).

Mr Williams said: “It’s has been a very bad week for us at the farm and it is going to take time until we are back and running to full capacity.

"I’m thrilled to be involved with this calendar and helping to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“It is a great cause that I am happy to have got involved in, although it is a bit strange seeing pictures of myself on sale in the supermarket.”

The calendar was put on sale in Tesco stores across Wales on Monday and costs £3 with a total of 50p from each sale donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

It is hoped the campaign will raise over £3,000 for the charity.