DOZENS of brave naturists stripped off their shorts and t-shirts to take part in the first nudist walk across Morecambe Bay.

The event attracted 61 people on Sunday to take on the five-mile walk from Arnside to Grange and was dubbed a ‘great success’ by its organiser Ron O’Hare.

Mr O’Hare, who has been practising the controversial lifestyle choice for more than 20 years, joined 60 others in baring all to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

NAKED: Walkers stripped off their clothes for the naturist walk

NAKED: Walkers stripped off their clothes for the naturist walk

“It was a fantastic day from start to finish,” he said.

“The weather was just perfect, there was no wind at all. Although a bit less showed up than we expected, there was still 61 people there - some of which were new faces which was great.”

The adults-only British Naturism event was led by the Queen’s Guide Michael Wilson and his team of marshals.

And Mr O’Hare is already planning the group’s next naked adventure.

“Everyone was asking when are we doing it again - they loved it so much,” he said.

“Hopefully the popularity keeps growing and we see more and more people come with us on these walks.”

Legally, any person is allowed to sunbathe naked on any beach, however, good beach etiquette would mean sticking to designated nudist beaches.

LEAD: Guide Michael Wilson

LEAD: Guide Michael Wilson

Mr O’Hare described the atmosphere as ‘electric’, and is urging others to try out the unconventional extra-curricular activity.

“It’s such an exhilarating feeling,” he said.

“The sun was shining on us all and everyone was in great spirits.

“It was the perfect day to be naked.

“It was an electric atmosphere from the word ‘go’ and it’s even better that we’re raising money for charity at the same time.”

The event raised £1,800 for the British Heart Foundation, which is a charity close to Mr O’Hare’s heart.

He said: “It’s a win win really because we’re taking part in this fantastic event whilst raising much-needed funds for a deserving charity who need it more than ever because of the pandemic.”

Interest in naturism has increased drastically this year as the public are embarking on more staycations, insists Mr O’Hare.

“Membership at British Naturism has gone up 15 per cent this year because people are going on staycations due to the pandemic,” he said.

“Membership at British Naturism is at its highest for seven years.

“It was fantastic to see so many new faces on the day. We plan on doing it all again at the same time next year.”

British Naturism is also planning a beach clean and skinny dip in North Walney this August.