CHELMSFORD’S Market Square was filled with bare bodies and enormous grins as the city held its first naked bike ride.

More than 30 brave cyclists braved all or stripped to their underwear for Saturday’s ride, which is organised by the World Naked Bike Ride committee as an environmental protest against car cultur e and a celebration of the bicycle and the body.

Ride manager Rob Brown, 49, said: “It was absolutely brilliantm we couldn’t fault it.

“There were about 30 riders which is pretty good for a first ride.

“We got a really good reception from the people of Chelmsford.

“When we set off the cheer we got was fantastic and we had a brilliant barbecue in the 59 New Street Bar which was brilliant.

"The route was about four and a half miles long and we hope to extend that next year.

"We had so many positive comments, it really was a brilliant day."