SWIMMERS are being encouraged to strip off by a Bucks naturist club as they launch the return of the Great British Skinny Dip.

After the inaugural event became oversubscribed last year, the Skinny Dip is coming back to the Chalfont St Peter-based Diogenes Sun Club.

And would-be naturists are being urged to overcome their shyness and get naked at four upcoming dips at the club's indoor heated pool.

Diogenes has teamed up with British Naturism - who say four million people in the UK class themselves as naturists or nudists - for this year's event.

British Naturism’s Commercial Manager and Diogenes Member Andrew Welch said: "There is nothing quite so liberating as swimming without a costume. Naturists have long realised the positive benefits to body image and self esteem that naturism brings and we want to encourage as many people as possible to give it a try in 2013.

"We know it may seem an intimidating prospect at first, but everyone is assured a warm welcome at Diogenes."

The first skinny dip of the year, which takes place on Saturday January 19, is already fully booked, but places are still available at other upcoming dips on January 26, February 2 and February 9.

All the dips take place from 7-9pm and can be booked online at www.diogenessunclub.co.uk.