A NAKED rambler who refused to cover his modesty for a court appearance was arrested for a second time when he left the building in the nude.

Former marine Stephen Gough, 46, is attempting to walk the 874 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats wearing nothing but a smile.

He has been joined by girlfriend Melanie Roberts, 33, and their friend, Jeffrey Woodhouse, 42.

All three were arrested in Gargrave, North Yorkshire, on Monday morning.

His companions were bailed to appear in court at Skipton today, but Mr Gough was kept in cells overnight.

He was due to appear before magistrates in Harrogate yesterday, charged with a public order offence, but refused to put his clothes on.

Magistrates agreed to adjourn the case until September 6, and sent a message to Mr Gough in the cells, informing him of the decision and his bail conditions.

But upon his release, Mr Gough, from Eastleigh, near Southampton, walked into the court lobby wearing only his boots and a rucksack - and was re-arrested.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth hairdresser Ms Roberts was posing topless outside for a television crew. She covered up when officers from North Yorkshire Police intervened.

Mr Woodhouse, a librarian from Kent, had been waiting for Mr Gough with Ms Roberts outside the court.

But when he heard what had happened in the court, he dropped his shorts as the police van containing his friend drove past. He too was arrested for a second time.