A gallery in Folkestone is competing to exhibit work by world famous American artist Spencer Tunick.

Tunick, renowned for his mass photographs of people in the nude, is going to display in a British seaside town as part of the Museums at Night competition Connect10 run by group Culture24.

Strange Cargo, at Georges House in the Old High Street, Folkestone, is bidding to stage the event, on May 16, but needs to win a public vote.

It is pitted against the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings and Brighton’s Pavilion Gallery.

And if Folkestone wins people will be able to participate.

Artistic director Brigitte Orasinski said: “Most people will recognise Spencer Tunick's photographs.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Strange Cargo and for the town.

"We need to collect more votes than Hastings or Brighton in order to be awarded the exhibition.

"Spencer will be asking for people to participate in the project and everyone who is involved will be given their very own original Spencer Tunick portrait to keep.

"This is amazing and if we work together we can all make it happen.”

Social media websites including Facebook and Twitter have been awash with posts encouraging Folkestone to step into the limelight.

There are also plans by residents to set up a network of 'polling stations' with wi-fi connection across the town on Saturday where people can vote.

Meanwhile, even the Folkestone Mermaid has been spotted supporting the campaign.

The Folkestone Urban Sirens, a group of women who set up to protest that the 'Faux Mermaid' was not a real mermaid because she didn't have a tail, posted on their Facebook page backing the bid to host Spencer Tunick.

The gallery is now creeping into the lead but more votes are needed before the deadline for votes closes at 5pm on Tuesday, January 28.

To cast your vote you can click on this link or post your vote, including your name, address and postcode, to Strange Cargo at Georges House, 8 The Old High Street, Folkestone, CT20 1RL.