THEY say running is a confidence boost. And if getting naked is any indication of confidence, then this is certainly true.

The Barnstaple Women's Running Network (WRN) not only pound the streets of Barnstaple in full force but they've also been known to visit beaches on their journeys — and that's without any clothes on.

A revealing appearance on Gok's How to Look Good Naked has certainly given the WRN a new level of fame. But the message behind the nudity is much more serious than that.

Estelle Sherlock, one of the leaders of the WRN, said: "I wouldn't have run naked before, but now I have the confidence to strut my stuff like all the other ladies.

"And it's nice to see people gaining confidence from running — I just want to get the whole world doing it.

"I hope women will be inspired after watching us on the show, because it makes you feel great."

The WRN started in Exeter more than 10 years ago, now having branches all over the country. In North Devon alone, there are three groups in South Molton, Barnstaple and Braunton.

And as we jog through Barnstaple on a dark night — with temperatures reaching sub-zero — I can see why the group is successful.

The group is not full of intimidating Paula Radcliffe wannabees or 118 118 impersonators. In fact, everyone is very welcoming.

For my first session, I stuck with the intermediates. Lead by Julie, eight of us ran along together — chatting, sweating and laughing.

Julie was constantly dropping back, sprinting ahead and shouting to check if everyone was okay. If people were left behind, those in front were made to run back to meet them — a chance for those in front to increase their mileage, and for those behind to remain part of the group.

At no point did we separate according to ability — we were all made to feel our worth.

We ran just under five miles — and I felt fresh as a daisy. The furthest I'd run in a long time was three miles, but something about running with this group made it click. My legs were on fire. When we arrived back at the Leisure Centre, I felt I could do it all again, if I had the company. And inspirational stories about the female runners are never-ending.

There's Penny, who hasn't looked back since she was challenged by her fiancé to complete the Race For Life. She now runs a healthy six miles regularly, having lost three and a half stone in the process.

And she got naked.

There's Maggie, who swore she would never run at night once she retired, because why would she need to leave the house after dark? But she just enjoys the company too much.

And then there's the beginners, some of whom had never run in their lives before joining eight weeks ago. Their leader, Estelle, returned ecstatic because they had run for 27 minutes non-stop.

The advanced group, some of whom are entered for the London Marathon, came back glowing after their eight mile challenge.

Long-distance running may be an individual sport, but there's something to be said for companionship. And that companionship — knowing you're around people with imperfections too — goes a long way to boosting that confidence.

The WRN is just a group of women wanting to get fit and have fun. Some are experts; some are not. But each group measures their success in distance, not time; in friendships, not competition.

And how willing they are to take their clothes off.

And I went back on Saturday. Once you've got that jogging parasite, it eats away and it's hard to ignore.

Who knows how long it'll be before I run stark naked down the beach.

● The sessions take place on Monday at 6.30pm (for beginners, intermediate and advanced), Thursday at 6.30pm (mixed ability) and Saturday at 9.30am (mixed ability), meeting at North Devon Leisure Centre. Membership is £20 for 12 months, plus £2 per run to the leader. Contact: Estelle Sherlock on 01271 344082 or barnstaplewrn@hotmail.co.uk 01271 344 082 or e-mail barnstaplewrn@hotmail.co.uk for information.