A naked carpenter is due to stand trial today accused of public order and anti-social behaviour offences.

Robert Jenner spent most of the summer renovating his semi-detached Eccles home while wearing nothing but his work boots.

The 42-year-old naturist and former soldier was arrested on a number of occasions after neighbours complained.

Mr Jenner took the step of erecting a sign at the front of the property which read: "A naturist is working on this property, please do not take offence," but was slapped with a community protection notice - an order aimed to prevent behaviour that is having a negative impact on others’ quality of life.

Despite urging residents not to complain Jenner was arrested again.

Appearing at Maidstone Magistrates' Court in November he denied two counts of causing harassment, alarm and distress and one count of breaching an order.

At the brief hearing Paul Edwards, prosecuting, told the court Jenner walked on the pavement between his van and the Stevens Road property while starkers.

He said: "Effectively what the charges relate to is that he was seen outside his property and was naked from the waist down with his genitals exposed, you appreciate these are public order offences here and he's in breach of an order.

"The crown says obviously when he does this it's going to cause harassment, alarm or distress to the public. He does not accept his behaviour is causing harassment, alarm or distress. I think he's a naturist."

Simon Holmes, defending, said: "He is a naturist and believes he has a right to be naked."

He added he would be challenging the legality of the order based on the terms being unreasonable.

Jenner is due to appear at the same court this morning for the start of a two-day trial.