A CUMBRIAN pool has decided to let naturists bare all and take the plunge with naked swimming sessions.

The decision, by Wigton Baths, follows its recent involvement with the Great British Skinny Dip, a national campaign aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of naked swimming.

After the events made a splash, staff decided to organise their own skinny dip sessions.

Elaine Hudson from the Wigton Baths Trust said: “This is the second year that we have taken part in the Great British Skinny Dip, and we’ve been really impressed by the turnout, and by the obvious fun that the participants had.

“We’re always looking to broaden the range of events we hold, so when we were approached by the Great British Skinny Dip we were delighted to get involved.

“Afterwards, it seemed sensible to cater for that growing market and host our own costume-free sessions.”

News of the naked swimming events in Cumbria has been welcomed by naturists - who say there is an increased demand for such events and facilities.

Ron O’Hare from British Naturism said: “As naturists, we are always keen to see expanded opportunities for our activities.

“This great initiative by Wigton Baths will be well supported by us and, we hope, lots of newcomers keen to experience naturist swimming.

“This swim adds to the wide range of naturist opportunities in the Lakes, which this year also included a naturist swim in a tarn, and a wild camping weekend at Windermere, as well as our local Naturist Clubs, Solway and the Lakeland Outdoor Club.”

According to British Naturism, latest figures show that around four million people in the UK describe themselves as a naturist.

It is legal in UK society to be naked and recent research has revealed that taking part in naturist activity can have very positive benefits for mental and physical health and wellbeing, as well as issues such as body image and self confidence.

Most naturist swims across the UK are run by clubs as private hires, or are held at dedicated naturist sites.

Wigton Baths will run the events for three months initially, taking place on the second Saturday of each month.

The first of the naked swimming events will take place on November 10 between 2pm and 6pm.

Events will cost £5 per person.