NATURISTS can find the best places to hang out in the region thanks to a guide.

Bare Britain will be launched on Sunday, June 5 -World Naturist Day.

It lists the best beaches, resorts and country retreats for people considering baring all.

While none of the region's beaches make it into the top five, there are special mentions for Druridge Bay and Ross Back Sands, both in Northumberland.

The guide also contains a list of clubs, complete with contact details, including Ryedale Naturist Club, at Malton, the Valley Club, near Harrogate, and the White Rose Club, near York, all North Yorkshire.

Lifestyle Press, which published the book, said more Britons than ever before were opting to go nude, with nearly a quarter of the population taking part in naturist activities.

But Dave Martin, who runs the Coast and Country Naturist Club, based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, is not so sure about its popularity.

Mr Martin, who has been writing guide books for naturists for more than 20 years, said: "I do not think it is particularly booming.

"It is a common thing amongst people who go abroad for short and long holidays, but the scene in Britain is not particularly expanding.

"People seem to think the weather is too cold -they ought to learn that we go indoors a lot as well.

"Bare Britain will encourage a lot of people who read it and think this looks nice to try it, so in that respect, it is welcome."

Author Nick Mayhew hopes the guide will encourage naturists to spend their holidays in Britain, instead of flying abroad to find warmer temperatures.

He said: "There is nothing more liberating than swimming in just your birthday suit, and you do not have to fly to southern Europe to enjoy it.

"With so many beautiful beaches around our coastline as well as friendly clubs in great locations around the country, we hope this guide will inspire many more Britons to give bare bathing a go."

Andrew Welch, the commercial manager for British Naturism, said: "Hopefully, we will have a lovely warm summer so that we can make the most of what Britain has to offer."

The guide is available from bookshops, priced £12.95 or from www.barebritain.com