Most
journalists
would admit to doing almost anything for a
story, but two reporters at The Argus have
perhaps gone one step further than most - daring
to bare in pursuit of a scoop!
Two Brighton beaches
are featured in 'Bare Britain', a new guide to
nudist beaches, and to see what all the fuss is
about reporters Rob Hustwayte and Miriam Wells
decided to check them out for themselves.
Miriam, (24), joined
nude bathers on Shoreham Beach, while Rob, (27),
'went back to nature' at Black Rock in Brighton
- before revealing all on page three.
Rob said: "My news
editor knows I am game for a laugh and suggested
I give it a try, while Miriam volunteered.
"It was a daunting
experience but the photographer was very
professional and suggested some tasteful poses.
"Some of our
day-to-day contacts have found it highly
amusing, but I don't know what the other bathers
thought!"
However in their
quest to bring readers the latest 'nudes', the
daring duo found they were of differing opinions
as to whether bare is best.
And while Rob's
outlook is "if you don't have it, don't flaunt
it", Miriam decided she definitely felt better
in the buff.
She said: "By far
and away the most common reason why people would
rather eat raw tripe than parade naked in front
of strangers is self-consciousness about their
body and a fear of being laughed at.
"But in my
experience, naturism not only makes you feel
liberated, it actively improves your confidence.
"You'd be surprised
just how different it feels swimming without a
bikini on or having the sun hit every part of
you – it's lovely. I urge everyone to try it at
least once.
"If everyone were
happier naked, the world would be a much better
place."
Miriam is currently
nominated for Scoop of the Year in the Press
Gazette Regional Press Awards and was also
shortlisted for the Newspaper Society's Young
Journalist of the Year and Newquest's Scoop of
the Year.