SCOTLAND locked up the Naked Rambler, but the Yorkshire Dales treated him to a lock-in.

Stephen Gough was given free beer and a bed for the night when he stopped off at Britain’s highest pub - the Tan Hill Inn, near Reeth.

Locals put money behind the bar so he could enjoy his first pint for six years.

But landlady Tracy Daly would only let him take a seat after he had been for a shower.

“He was a bit smelly so I told him and he agreed,” said Ms Daly.

The 53-year-old father-of-two has spent much of the past six years in prison in Scotland for breach of the peace offences after walking naked in public – and refusing to put clothes on in court.

However, the former Royal Marine was released earlier this month and is now making his way back to see his family in Hampshire.

Mr Gough, 53, said: “It’s great to get a pint in a nice warm pub with a real fire.

“Some of my supporters have put £30 in a kitty behind the bar for me — so I’ve got some cash to get a drink and a good home cooked meal.”

The pub put a notice outside warning drinkers Mr Gough was inside and not to come in if they were easily offended.

But far from discouraging customers, Ms Daly said the rambler’s visit brought in extra trade.

“He’s quite a character. I don’t really understand why he does it, but live and let live I say,” she said.

“He said he didn’t even like walking naked – he just wanted to bring awareness to the issue.

“A few of the younger lads who came in for a drink didn’t really know how to take him, but a 90-year-old lady said if he had done it in her time she would have joined him.”

The rambler left the next morning after having some breakfast, which he ate with his clothes on.

Mr Gough last visited Tan Hill in 2005 while on a hike from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Ms Daly said the pub was getting used to naked patrons after once hosting a convention of 30 naturist real ale fans.