The calendar was dedicated to John Baker who died from leukaemia

Angela Baker, whose husband John died of leukaemia, is opening the unit at the University of York on Monday.

She said: "This is exactly why we started raising money for Leukaemia Research all those years ago."

Thousands of people bought their calendar where they posed naked and their exploits were turned into a film starring Helen Mirren.

Plaque unveiled

As well as opening the unit, Mrs Baker (Miss February) will unveil a plaque in memory of her husband who died in July 1998, aged 54.

After his death, Mrs Baker and her friends in the Rylstone & District Women's Institute produced their alternative calendar to raise funds for Leukaemia Research in 2000.

I would like to thank every single person who has bought a calendar or been to see the film. Angela Baker

The Leukaemia Research Epidemiology and Genetics Unit (EGU) aims to find the causes of cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

It is led by Professor Eve Roman and has a team of 20 researchers studying a number of fields including the largest ever study investigating the causes of cancer in children.

Professor Roman said: "We are delighted to be moving into these fantastic new facilities in York, where we can pursue these long-term studies into the causes of cancer."

Mrs Baker added: "I would like to thank every single person who has bought a calendar, been to see the film, or has supported our fundraising for Leukaemia Research."