Hastings beach nude stunt aimed at Spencer Tunick

Up to 30 residents took part in a nude flash mob in wet and windy conditions on Hastings beach to attract an acclaimed photographer to the town.

The exhibitionists hope to convince American body artist Spencer Tunick to stage one of his mass nude photoshoots at the East Sussex seaside resort.

Hastings, Folkestone and Brighton are fighting for the chance to host the event as part of an arts festival.

Participants held placards urging the public to "Vote Hastings".

Hannah Corke, 25, said: "I thought it was really funny."

"It hasn't been done before. I gave birth five months ago and it's quite liberating to get naked in front of lots of people and get rid of that post-pregnancy fear."

'Lot of camaraderie'

Sam Wickham, 43, said: "I gave birth six months ago and I also thought it would be liberating.

"My body is probably not in the best shape, but I'm happy to show it off. There was a lot of camaraderie."

Hastings' Jerwood Gallery is up against the Georges House Gallery, Folkestone, and Brighton's Royal Pavilion and Museums to host a photoshoot by Tunick as part of Culture24's Connect 10 Museums at Night Festival weekend in May.

Gallery director Liz Gilmore said: "Hastings is so celebrated for its special festivals, including Jack in the Green, Pirate's Day and Hastings bonfire.

"The culturally-rich and quirky traditions of Hastings and actual site location would make a wonderfully fitting context for this one-off event."