Agreement has been reached to designate a stretch of sand in north Wales as the nation's first official nudist beach.

Gwynedd County Council's executive committee voted in favour of rubber stamping an earlier recommendation concerning Morfa beach at Dyffryn Ardudwy near Barmouth.

But, the committee agreed, the decision would be reviewed in twelve months time and that it was vital police patrol Morfa beach to ensure "undesirables" stay away.

Sunbathers have been disrobing at the beach for more than 30 years.

In recent years though numbers have increased thanks to publicity on the internet and in naturist magazines.

This has led to complaints to police from some residents, although only allegations of unacceptable sexual conduct have been followed up more closely.

Naked sunbathing

Gwynedd councillors last week voted by a majority to designate a specific site on the beach for nudists.

Gwynedd Council could have decide to continue with the present situation, where naked sunbathing is tolerated or to prohibit nudity altogether.

But in ratifying the plans, councillors hope tensions between the dressed and the undressed will improve.

Signs will be put up to warn the unwary visitor that they are about to enter a site designated for naturists.