A NATURIST book describing walks on the North York Moors has proved so popular it has left the shelves bare.

The Nudist Way, by David Martin of Scarborough, is described on a naturist website as a book "for everyone who likes to be outdoors - to picnic and sunbathe, walk and stroll and ramble in the British countryside".

Mr Martin said his 210-page book, which costs £9.50, sold out two weeks ago and is now out of print, but he is hoping for a new print run soon.

"The Nudist Way has sold out, but it will be replaced," said Mr Martin.

"However, the timetable is not something I will discuss with my customers, let alone you."

Dedicated naturists may have to wait some time to follow his walks, despite plans by the North York Moors Park Authority's to reopen as many paths as possible this month.

"October is not the time for nude walking, for obvious reasons," he said.

A review of Mr Martin's book, on a naturist website, says: "The whole of Britain is available for naturism... this book tells you the places to go and also explains the law and the underlying reasons for the increasing acceptance of naturism away from the beach.

"The book is now a conventional paperback complete with a stunning full colour heart-stopping cover which will grace any coffee table and also provide a good read."

Mr Martin is an organiser of the Coast and Country Naturists group, which runs an online naturist shop and co-ordinates activities around the region.

Mike Pratt, of North York Moors National Park Authority, said he had never heard of naturists using the moors before.

"But we are trying to encourage visitors to get out and use the reopened footpaths, whoever they are.

"In the light of foot and mouth restrictions I would imagine that naturist walkers are very bio-secure but I would remind them that they have to disinfect their feet.

"As long as the standards of public decency are kept in order there is no problem.

"If someone was coming the other way they might get a shock, but I am sure naturists know more about how to handle such a situation than me.

"I just hope they don't ask us to join them," he said.

Updated: 11:28 Thursday, October 11, 2001