OUTSIDERS' perceptions of the WI were changed forever when one branch in the Yorkshire Dales produced a saucy calendar to raise money to support leukaemia research.

The move by Rylstone WI inspired the film Calendar Girls which, as well as giving the movement a great deal of exposure - in more ways than one - showed the battles between a local branch and the National Federation of Women's Institutes.

Now one North Dorset branch of the WI has taken its own action after disag-reeing with the policies of the governing body.

The ladies of Durweston Women's Institute decided they were fed up with their membership money going mainly to national issues and the restrictions being placed on them - so they simply resigned.

Instead they formed Cameo (Come and Meet Everyone) and in its first month of existence the group has already attracted five new members.

Cameo chairman Maisie Curtis said: "We make all this money for the WI and most of it was going away from the club so we thought we would have our own club. We have only had two meetings but it is going swimmingly.

"I have loved being in the WI, and we have nothing against the WI, but we were so tied with what we could do with our resources."

Mrs Curtis said the 27 members are now paying £10 per year to be members of Cameo rather than the £26 a year they paid to the WI.

The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Durweston Village Hall, as well as holding outings, lunches and running a fundraising stall.

All money left over once the running costs have been met go to charities chosen by the members.

A spokeswoman for the Dorset Federation of Women's Institutes said: "Durweston have suspended their membership and don't wish to continue with the WI for various reasons and if they wish to set up another group that is entirely up to them.

"They are the only WI in Dorset that have suspended themselves as far as I am aware.

"In fact since January we have actually signed up 50-plus new members and we have been very busy."