BARE bums are set to parade around the Worcestershire countryside after naturists reveal the date for their annual wild walk and swim.

British Naturism will have a number of its members walk around loud and proud in Bishampton next month.

The group will be among hundreds of people taking part in the annual British Naturism Great British Skinny Dip and Naked Heart Walk across the UK, which will be organised in partnership with the British Heart Foundation.

Nearly 100 people are expected to attend Watersedge, which is just a stone's throw from Worcester, to meet like-minded people and embrace nature.

Ron O'Hare, the organiser for the Worcestershire event and fellow naturist, said it makes more sense to go swimming without clothes than with them.

"Why get dressed to go swimming - let's put things on their head," he said.

"It improves body confidence, mental health, and physical health, all of which is anecdotal evidence, but it does boost your self-esteem.

"People come to me and say they forgot they were naked.

"It is so natural and is in a non-sexual nature, and we have a zero policy with that.

"It is such an exhilarating thing to happen."

The group will be taking part in the Worcestershire event on July 21 and all money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation.

Mr O'Hare first became interested in naturism 25 years ago when he was on a nudist beach in Gran Canaria with his wife. 

It was the realisation that no one cared about his body and the freeing feeling of drying off naturally instead of using a towel which got him into it.

Mr O'Hare added that there are limited places in Worcestershire that offer this type of activity, which allows people to mix and try something new.

"You get a place to socialise naked.

"Last year, we had around 65 people, and everyone thanked me for organising it in the area and providing the opportunity to skinny dip."