A HUNDRED women will strip off in Saltaire and sport 1950s bathing costumes for an on-land synchronized swimming event to celebrate the centenary of the Women’s Institute.

Members of Baildon, Saltaire and Bingley WIs have joined forces to stage the polka-dotted spectacular, specially choreographed by performance group Yorkshire Life Aquatic and which might get into the Guinness Word Records.

The mass performance will take place on Sunday, September 6 at 1pm in Roberts Park, Saltaire, just in front of the Half Moon Cafe.

And the organisers promise it will capture glamour of vintage Hollywood and swim star Esther Williams, with participants wearing vintage bathing costumes and swim caps.

The 100 bathing beauties have been attending secret rehearsals in preparation for the big day, which will be interactive as spectators will be invited to join in by waving flags and blowing bubbles.

And it is thought to be the first time that a dry-land synchronized swimming event of this size has been attempted.

President of Baildon Belles Sara Mogford said: "We’ve contacted the Guinness Book of Records for clarification as we’re not sure there’s ever been an attempt to do something like this.

"It will be an amazing spectacle to see 100 women of all shapes and sizes gliding through Roberts Park."

The event marks 100 years of the Women’s Institute in Britain. It was formed in 1915 and is now the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.

Baildon Belles WI was started by a small group of women over six years ago and now has more than 100 members.

Saltaire and Bingley WIs were formed shortly afterwards and all three are considered part of the new wave of WIs, shaking off the Jam and Jerusalem image and appealing to younger women.

Bingley WI president Jag Picknett said: "It's an exciting event for all the local WIs and lets us celebrate the centenary in real style."

Saltaire WI president Fiz Pimperton added: "Who knows what dear old Titus would make of it, but it will be a real fun celebration!"

It will be led by Yorkshire Life Aquatic, a performance group which aims to recreate the glamour of vintage synchronised swimming in and out of water, in parks, pools and at festivals and have appeared at Saltaire Festival and in Bradford City Park’s mirror pool.

Those interested in going to the event can find out more on the Baildon Belles Facebook page at www.facebook.com/baildonbelles.

The performance will be followed by a celebratory picnic for members, family and friends in Roberts Park.