A RAMBLER has been spotted exposing himself to the elements in the Durham Dales.

The naked walker has been seen walking along isolated footpaths in Teesdale, making the most of the this week's good weather.

The naturist surprised a group of archaeologists carrying out survey work on prehistoric stone carvings at Cotherstone Moor, near Hury Reservoir.

The middle-aged man moved off after the group of archaeologists, complete with bulky surveying equipment and cameras, arrived at the moor to scan rocks.

However, he put on a pair of shorts after he was forced to pass the group again when his dog began chasing sheep.

One archaeologist said: "This sort of thing doesn't normally happen when we go out."

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, said: "No complaints have been received or are on the log about a naked walker.

"If we did receive a complaint it could be an offence against public decency."

* Naturism campaigner Steve Gough 46, of Bournemouth, set off this month on an attempt to walk from Lands End to John O'Groats naked.

He has been joined on the trek by his girlfriend, Melanie Roberts, 33, a hairdresser from Bournemouth, and another man, a librarian from Kent, who does not wish to be named.

Mr Gough, a former Royal Marine, said he is attempting the 874-mile trip "to celebrate being human".

In 2003, he attempted a similar feat alone and was arrested 14 times and served two jail sentences. He passed through the Durham Dales and North Yorkshire, and was arrested in Northumberland.