FIRST there was Stoptober and Movember, and now a Bolton charity has launched a new month for the fundraising calendar.

PJ May is the idea of BACKUP, formerly known as Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, a charity that helps young people who are homeless to be safe, stable and develop skills for independence

Its CEO, Maura Jackson, said: “May 9 is National Sleepover day. So, we took it a stage further and thought let’s take the whole month and see if we can engage the public in planning their own events that involve wearing pyjamas.

“PJ May is a chance for anyone to plan events, big or small, with family, friends, colleagues, leisure groups or social groups.”

Staff at BACKUP are already planning to spend a day at work in their pyjamas but are opening up the idea to the public.

Ms Jackson said: “We are beginning by asking people online via our social media for suggestions for the most creative events.”

Ideas suggested already include Prosecco and pizza nights, cheese and wine, hot chocolates and cakes, barbecues, music events and sponsored activities - all done while wearing pyjamas!

BACKUP then wants people to take photographs of their events, which the charity will celebrate on its website.

Ms Jackson said: “There will be two prizes – one for the person or group that raises the most money, and one for the most engaging photo/video of their fundraising activity.”

Registration packs are available from BACKUP at backup-charity.org.uk or by phoning 01204520183.