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Each Saturday evening, around 50 people meet for a swim at Chester's Northgate Arena.

It's a group made up of members of various ages, and it's a great chance for all of them to socialise, keep fit and have a good catch up.

Nothing unusual about that, you might think. But actually, there's just one thing that's different about these swimming sessions as opposed to regular ones.

All the swimmers are completely naked.

They're members of the Wirral Naturist Club, which has been holding regular sessions at the Northgate Arena almost every week since 1976.

Member Rod Burkey explained more about the club, which was founded on the principles of 'family naturism' and consists mainly of couples and families with some singles making up the membership.

"We have members of all ages, backgrounds shapes and sizes," he said. "We're a friendly group, who enjoy socialising and keeping fit – although you may very well find that there is more talking than exercising!

"Our swims are open to all ages and we are happy to attract and welcome anyone who wants to give naturism a try. Prospective members have to fill out a form and attend three swim sessions before being able to become members which gives all involved a fair chance to find out if they wish to continue," explains Rod.

And if you haven't tried Naturism before, Rod insists there is no need to be embarrassed - it is 'a most pleasurable experience'.

"There is absolutely no need to worry if you haven't tried it before - you will meet many different people from all walks of life, everyone will be friendly and there is no need to be embarrassed.

"If you prefer you may wrap a towel around yourself until you feel comfortable. Everyone has had a 'first time' and we recognise that. Naturism is a most pleasurable experience."

Attendance to the sessions is 'pretty fluid' and the club welcomes a range of visitors, prospective members and regulars.

In addition to the Chester meetings, the club used to run three sessions a year at Waterworld in Stoke which would attract up to 500 people, but the Northgate Arena is now the club's sole venue with 50 members.

"Anyone attending would soon realise that we merely swim, chat, take saunas and steam baths," said Rod. "I have never witnessed any inappropriate behaviour at any of our sessions. We expect mutual respect and courtesy, just as in a public swimming pool.

"Joining Wirral Naturist Club provides a place to enjoy swimming without a costume, which is incredibly comfortable and just feels so much better.

"Pretty soon it all becomes normal and our sessions are friendly occasions, mixing exercise and social contact. As for me, I've always enjoyed swimming and sunbathing, and find being naked the logical way to 'dress' when enjoying these things," he said.

Families are invited to attend the sessions, but children must be accompanied by adults and be closely supervised at all times, although it is mainly adults that attend.

Rod finds it amusing that the club is regarded by many as 'eccentric' and says he's not been aware of any criticism of the sessions.

"When we were invited to attend the club, it was the indoor aspect that we had to think about, but once there, it seemed every bit as natural as going to a naturist beach or outdoor naturist club," he explains. "The bonus is, that the swim sessions are held all the year round, not just when the British weather is warm.

"Many people I've met say that naturism is liberating, and I think it is. Being ashamed of our bodies is really a sad thing, and once we lose that feeling, it really is liberating."

If you're interested in finding out more about Wirral Naturist Club click here Sessions at the Northgate Arena are held every Saturday at 7.15-9pm. Prices range from £8-£15 depending on membership and if you are part of a couple.