NATURISTS across Britain are opening their homes to Hampshire's naked rambler Steve Gough.

Last week the ex-marine became the first man in history to walk the 900 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats without clothes.

Now he is returning from the Scottish Highlands, stopping at the houses of his many supporters along the way.

Steve, pictured above, received messages from naturalists all over the world during his trek which he completed wearing only socks, walking boots, his hat and his rucksack.

The father-of-two, who spent time in prison during his walk, was less popular with other members of the public who found his behaviour obscene.

But tonight he will have a chance to put his side of the argument on Channel 4's Richard and Judy show. He said: "When I was in prison some people wrote to me and supported me so they invited me to stay at their houses.

"Representatives of Richard and Judy approached me when I reached John O'Groats. It was harder than if I'd done it in a conventional way but I wouldn't have got the publicity if I'd done it a conventional way."

Steve's campaign began in 2002 when he cycled naked through the streets of Eastleigh.

During his trek, which began in June, he was arrested about 16 times and attacked in St Ives on the second day of the journey.

In the past he has commented on current legislation on naturism: "These rules are based on history which comes from a religion that makes us think the body is sinful."