THE naked rambler and his girlfriend have arrived in the region wearing nothing but socks, boots and a smile.

Despite running into trouble with the police last week, the cheeky pair are continuing their journey north along the Pennine Way still baring all to the elements.

Former Marine Stephen Gough, 46, is attempting to walk the 874 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats with girlfriend Melanie Roberts, 33. Their friend, Jeffrey Woodhouse, 42, has also joined them on the route.

Yesterday, the walkers crossed from North Yorkshire into County Durham and over the A66 towards Middleton-in-Teesdale.

They spent Monday night at the Tan Hill Inn, in Arkengarthdale.

After enjoying several pints of strong bitter, they were offered free accommodation at the inn.

Landlady Tracy Daly said: "Other walkers said they were heading this way and I had an inkling they might stop.

"Most of the customers were fine about it - we only had one couple who walked out.

"My 87-year-old mother-in-law asked them if they wore pyjamas in bed."

Their answer is not known.

The naked walkers trekked through Wensleydale on Monday, stopping to buy supplies at the Spar shop, in Hawes.

Shop owner Jean Blades said: "He (Mr Gough) was here a few years ago but then he put his shorts on - he's obviously feeling braver this time. They came in just as we were closing so there weren't too many people about, but I did see people outside take a good look and there were a few giggles."

Mr Gough, who completed the 900-mile route solo in January last year, told The Northern Echo the walk was a response to a "conscious urge".

He said: "It's also a celebration of the human body and a campaign to enlighten the public that the freedom to go naked in public is a basic human right."

The ramblers were arrested in Gargrave, North Yorkshire, last Monday, after complaints from residents.

Mr Gough refused to put his clothes on to appear before Harrogate magistrates the next morning. They agreed to adjourn the case and free the walker on bail. But upon his release, Mr Gough walked into the court lobby wearing only his boots and a rucksack - and was re-arrested.

He was later taken back to Gargrave and the walkers were allowed to continue on their journey.