GEORDIES already have a reputation for wearing very little, but for the next two months, visitors to the North-East will get more than an eyeful when they fly into the region.

A poster of 1,700 naked people by The Sage concert venue, in Gateshead, has been unveiled at Newcastle International Airport.

According to airport bosses, the image, which is in the international arrivals area, has caused quite a commotion.

The picture shows the rear views of the volunteers - photographed at sunrise on July 17 last year.

Airport spokesman Carl Bevan said: "The feedback from passengers has been really enthusiastic and positive. Many have been surprised by the size of such a striking image, but it has instantly caught people's attention, and most passengers stop and look."

He said the picture, which has been on display for about a fortnight, was only one in a series of iconic images the airport was planning to display.

The photograph was taken by US artist Spencer Tunick, who pictures large groups of naked people in locations all over the world. The event took place near the River Tyne, in Newcastle and Gateshead. People from across the country travelled to the area to take part.

Mr Tunick took the pictures and made a video of the installation for an exhibition in Gateshead's Baltic art gallery.

However, the image at the airport is exclusive and cannot be seen in the Baltic.

Baltic director Peter Doroshenko said: "This was the perfect exhibition for the airport to support.

"It appeals to a regional, national and international audience and is very much about people and new experiences. I am delighted that our partnership with the airport has enabled us to take the Baltic's programme to a wider audience."

The exhibition in the Baltic opened on January 21 and had a record-breaking 10,000 visitors in the first week.

The exhibition is at the Baltic until Sunday, March 26. The airport picture will be on display until at least the end of March.