Naturists 'asked to leave site'

The estate includes a large nine-bedroom country house

A group of naturists say they have been asked to leave their much-loved north Devon camp and caravan site.

About 80 pitches are situated on the land in Beaworthy - thought to be one of the oldest naturist camps in the UK.

The site was sold earlier this year to a buyer who is believed to have other plans for its use.

A British Naturism spokesman said it was "disappointing" as they had few alternative sites. The owner was not immediately available for comment.

'Awful pity'

"It's an awful pity," said the British Naturism spokesman. "It's been there for a very long time and sites are few and far between already.

"It's a lovely site and no-one likes to see an asset like that closing.

"The good news is I believe there is another site opening in south Cornwall."

The camp, which was set up in 1936 by writer and photographer Edward Hemingway, was to be auctioned in May but the sale was called off after the buyer offered a "phenomenal price" for the property.

The estate includes a nine-bedroom country house as well as the naturist colony which is known as the North Devon Club.