But now local mums have learned about the sessions, some want them stopped. They say it is inappropriate that people are bathing in the nude in a public pool. Manchester council has moved to reassure people that the sessions pose no hygiene or privacy risk but some mums are so concerned they have pulled their children out of swimming lessons in protest.

Elaine Howarth, said she had complained to staff at the swimming pool, but was told they could not see what the fuss was about.
She said: "I'm all for people having their own get-togethers, but why do they have to be naked?

"All the local schools use the baths for their swimming lessons but most of the mothers I've been speaking to are now not going to allow their children to go anymore."

Another mum, Lynne Mills, said she had pulled her son out of lessons. She said: "I thought this was a joke when I first heard about it. This is a community pool used by OAPs and children. "I am concerned about the hygiene aspect - they don't let children in pools without wearing clothes, so why should it be different for adults?"

A spokeswoman for Manchester council said: "This private session has been running with absolutely no problems and the public can be reassured there are no issues surrounding hygiene or privacy. "Manchester council is totally committed to equality and does not accept discrimination of any kind. The pool is available to hire by any groups regardless of their faith, race, gender or sexuality."

The baths have received two direct complaints about the group - for gay people - one written and one verbal. Jeni Quirke, of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, said: "Naked Swim is a naturist group and whether it is for gay men or not is irrelevant."

The organisers of Naked Swim were unavailable for comment.