Naked riders take to city streets

About 500 cyclists took part in the third annual protest ride

Hundreds of environmental protesters have pedalled naked on bikes through Brighton to promote the environmental benefits of cycling.

About 500 cyclists stripped off, many adorned only with body paint slogans, for the third annual World Naked Bike Ride held in the Sussex city.

Some chose to wear skimpy underwear, while others wore hats and wigs.

The cyclists were campaigning to highlight the damage to the environment caused by car dependency.

'Massive success'

Sussex Police, which allowed full nudity at the event, said there had been no reports of any incidents.

Duncan Blinkhorn, who helped co-ordinate it, said it had been a "massive success".

"We had twice as many people as last year, and the atmosphere has been fantastic."

He said he hoped the cycle ride would have made people think twice about using their cars all the time.

A similar bike ride will take place in London next weekend.