Bike riders stripped off to cycle through Brighton in a bid to promote body positivity and raise awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists.

Hundreds of cyclists took to the road for the World Naked Bike Ride, many wearing nothing but colourful costumes and body paint.

The ride is the latest in an annual event designed as a protest for a number of causes including cycle safety, environmental issues and body confidence.

Warning: This report may contain graphic images

One rider who only gave his name as Randall, 62, came to the event from America.

He said: "I enjoy it. I support the protests because if we don't do something about the environment there will be nothing left.

"Things are starting to go green in America buts there's a lot more opposition."

Naked cyclists took part in the seven-mile ride across Brighton and Hove, beginning at Preston Park and ending at the nudist beach while also stopping at Hove Lawns.

Naked bike rideNaked bike ride (Image: Terry Applin)

The ride headed along London Road and to some of the city’s landmarks including the Royal Pavilion, Brighton i360 and Palace Pier.

Organisers said the event was a celebration of cycling and body positivity but also a protest against the vulnerability and invisibility that some feel when using the roads.

Another ride, aged 59, who came from Essex for the ride, said: "I nearly got taken out by a lorry as he didn't see me. I was millimetres away from dying.

Robert, 57, from London, added: "It's all about body positivity and the ability to take your clothes off. We shouldn't be ashamed - we should be able to go to the shops naked without any fear or inhibition."

The World Naked Bike Ride is part of a series of similar events taking place across the UK, including in London last Saturday.