Male nudists have got their dander up over a new law which could see them jailed for stripping off.
The proposed Sexual Offences Bill will make it a crime to "recklessly expose oneself in public".
If it gets the green light, the statute - now going through the House of Lords - will apply only to men, who would face up to two years behind bars if convicted.
Critics want the law amended so naturists won't be exposed to the long arm of the law.
Margot Denny, 65, a spokeswoman for British Naturism's Scottish and North of England Region - known as SANER - said: "This bill will outlaw naturism."
The mum-of-two, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, added: "There is nothing sexual about naturism whatsoever.
"It's like any pastime or leisure pursuit. The only difference is we like the sun on our bodies."
Margot, whose husband Derek, 66, shares her enthusiasm for nudity, said that - despite the chilly climate of the North - there were more than 2000 members of SANER.
Another naturist organisation, Three Rivers Outdoor Club, runs camping and caravanning rallies in the region. It also runs regular swimming sessions at Fenham Pool in Newcastle.
John Thompson, 59, of Annfield Plain, County Durham, who organises them, said: "We don't go around flaunting ourselves in public.
"It is one of the least sexy things you can be doing.
"It's a very private activity and tends to be done in clubs and on beaches.
"We do naturism where we feel comfortable."
He added: "Naturists come from all walks of life. I know teachers, vicars . . . you name it, they are there, and they are all different ages from eight months to 80 years."
British Naturism is planning to challenge the proposed new law under the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that it discriminates against a lifestyle choice.
The group's spokesman Mike Berridge said the law could also leave streakers and pagan revellers who dance naked open to prosecution.
