It's official. The votes are counted and Folkestone has won its bid to host world famous artist Spencer Tunick in May.

Social media websites Facebook and Twitter were awash with posts over the past week with people showing they were "'ready for Spencer" encouraging people to vote for Strange Cargo based at the Georges House Gallery in the Old High Street.

The event which is part of Culture10's Museums at Night project will be held on May 10 will involve Folkestonians taking their kit off for a brand new composition in the town.

Ballots were cast from as far afield as Norway, USA, China and Canada.

George's House Gallery collected 3,736 votes (38.2%) defeating the Royal Pavilion and Museums in Brighton (3,187, 32.6%) and the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings (2,856, 29.2%).

Strange Cargo's artistic director, Brigitte Orasinski, said they would be enjoying the moment and were amazed at the social media campaign to gain support.

She said: "We're absolutely delighted and tickled pink and were supported so well by the people of the town, we've made new friends.

"We're all quite shocked. I'm very happy and delighted for us all."

Brigitte added: "The organisation is what were good at so hopefully that will all go to plan."

Now the work to organise the event on May 10 begins.

Kay McLoughlin set up the Ready for Spencer campaign and drummed up support going around the town snapping people to gain support.

She said: "It's brilliant news and so exciting and just goes to show what we can do.

"We're the mouse that roars because we're a small town compared to the others. We're over the moon. I love it!

"Everyone took part had fun. We want Spencer to respond with a sign himself. That would be the icing on the cake.

"The publicity for Folkestone will be great there's so much going to be happening. Who needs that London place?"

People have nearly been baring all in recognition of Tunick's trademark of taking large nude shots of hundreds of people at a time.

Meanwhile, even the Folkestone Mermaid was 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 show will take place at Strange Cargo in the Old High Street.