WHAT a sight! Southampton had never seen anything quite like it before.

Dozens of cyclists donned nothing but their birthday suits - and helmets - to take to the streets with a very serious message.

The naked bike ride, which set off from Southampton Common last night, saw about 100 cyclists make their way through the city to Portswood and Bevois Valley to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads.

The brazen campaigners also spread the message about eco-friendly transport and encouraged stunned onlookers to dump the car and go green.

As well as scores of cyclists in the buff, other participants sported strategically positioned flowers, loincloths and fancy dress costumes.

The police - who had threatened arrest if cyclists did not cover up - were on hand, but did not have to take any action. They told participants they would only take action if anyone complained.

Southampton University medical student Peter Belasyse-Smith, 29, organised the event.

He told the Daily Echo: "The roads are awful for cycling in Southampton - you have to fight against the cars a lot of the time because people just don't notice you are there.

"That's half the reason why I organised this. The other half is because I just enjoy getting naked!

"A lot of people are very uptight about their body image and I think people should be less worried about it. We're all the same and the naked bike ride is the ultimate freedom."

Fellow student Thea Bjaaland helped Peter organise the ride and bared all for the occasion. The 26-year-old said: "People really should start using bikes more and use cars less. But they should also be proud of their bodies.

"I've never done anything like this before but there's no turning back now. I'm feeling great, really liberated!"

Naked bike rides have previously taken place in other UK cities to highlight bicycle safety and to urge more people to get in the saddle.

IT consultant Rob, 43, from Winchester, has taken part in naked rides in London and Brighton. He got naked for the Southampton cycle ride and said: "Our campaign is for a better deal for bikes and to get people on bicycles instead of using cars, which are polluting the world and ruining the climate.

"The nakedness is a good way to draw attention to how vulnerable we are on bikes, but it's also fun and is making everyone smile."