The Weaverham naturist is hoping to start up a nudist club in Northwich and to dispel common belief that it's disgusting.

Keith, 61, of Farm Road said: "They used to call it nudism, then in the 80s it switched to naturism - I think people just wanted to be a little bit more polite about it.

"There is a stigma surrounding naturism. I never told my late mum what I did because she would have been disgusted.

"But I don't want people to think I'm a dirty old man. I think it must stem back to the old days when we wore very little.

"Naturists just like being nude. It's natural. I rarely wear clothes in the house at all. I think it's odd that most people - if they were absolutely boiling - wouldn't even dream of taking their clothes off.

"I'm sure there are people out there who are interested in being naturists but are worried about it. But you soon get used to it - we're all the same! And having never married, I've just enjoyed naturism as a hobby."

Keith is hoping to fill a gap in the local market. In the 1980s a couple from Crewe set up a naturist club which met at the old swimming baths on Church Road in Northwich and later at Moss Farm Recreation Centre. But it closed when they moved to Wales in about 1990.

"At one time there were about 150 members in the club," said Keith.

"I'd like to provide them with facilities again. I'd centre the new club around swimming, but maybe also find some land where we can go camping, perhaps with a club house where we could watch satellite TV, play snooker and billiards.

"There are clubs about, but some don't allow single males to join which I would - everyone, of all ages, would be welcome."

If you would like to find out more about naturism, or to help Keith set up his new club, ring him on 01606 852929.

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