Five of its musicians will perfoming nude on fashion programme How To Look Good Naked next month.

Only their instruments will protect the modesty of artistic director David Curtis, viola player Vanessa Murby, percussionist Tim Farmer, oboist Louise Braithwaite and French horn player Kai Hoffman.

The unusual decision to take part in the hit Channel 4 show came after it emerged Arts Council England was to withdraw funding for the group.

Mr Curtis said: "The Arts Council cut our funding which has had a serious impact on us, making us increasingly reliant on corporate sponsorship.

"This is a lighthearted way to highlight a serious issue, as well as raise our profile nationally.

"It just seemed like too good an opportunity to miss."

Mr Curtis insists he and his fellow muscians had no reservations about baring all in front of one another, nevermind the rest of the nation.

He added: "We know each other fairly well - but obviously not that well!

"We've all got a great deal of respect for one another, and don't have anything you wouldn't see on a beach in Brighton on a sunny day.

"The programme is very much about developping confidence, and the nudity is just a metaphor of being comfortable with who you are."

However, he is keen to point out that the orchestra will not be stripping on stage again - and will make a more sedate appearance at the Spring Sounds Festival in Stratford this weekend.

Mr Curtis said: "It would seem cheap to repeat the experience for its own sake. We won't be doing any concerts in the nude!"

How To Look Good Naked is on Channel 4 on Tuesday evenings 8pm.