A man hoping to take taking part in the Canterbury leg of the World Naked Bike Ride yesterday was told to put his trousers back on and leave the event before it began – after getting “overexcited.”

The cathedral city in Kent was hosting its edition of the event, designed to highlight both the vulnerability of cyclists and the effects on the environment of fossil fuels, for the third year.

According to a witness quoted on BT.com, ''Everyone was taking their clothes off to get ready for the ride. I heard gasps and I turned around – it was a horrible sight.

"It's fair to say he was overexcited and got aroused. It looked like he was enjoying the event a bit too much.

"One of the organisers went over to him and told him to put his trousers on while speaking on a walkie-talkie to police.

"The man looked sheepish when he was spoken to by the police."

Participants had been warned by organisers beforehand that “the police have confirmed they will act on any inappropriate behaviour and we, the organisers, will support that.”

Chief Inspector Mark Arnold from Kent Police said: "One individual was spoken to by the protest organiser and stewards and he was required to get dressed and leave the protest, which he did.

“His details were taken by police but no action will be taken against the man.”

Organiser Barry Freeman said on the event’s Facebook page: "We do not accept this behaviour, and he was dealt with and removed before the ride started."