A TRAVEL writer is set to experience the most unique natural showers in the world – from bathing with elephants in India to taking a dip in naturally carbonated springs in Salt Lake City.

Gary Knox, 32, from Colne, was selected for the once-in-a-lifetime three-month trip by shower manufacturer Mira which ran a competition on social networking site Facebook. His all expenses paid three-month trip, which will be covered on Facebook and Twitter, will also raise money for Wateraid, a charity which provides safe domestic water to the world's poorest people.

The shower company is also asking for suggestions for places to send Gary to on his unique ‘Around The World In 80 Showers’ trip where he will spend three or four days at each location.

Gary, a former Colne Park High School pupil, went to university in London and regularly returns to see his family in Colne and Laneshawbridge.

For the competition he had to submit 250 words on why he would be ideal and was selected from 2,000 entrants.

He will also visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient Chinese water town with a history of more than 1,700 years.

He said: “Travel is my biggest passion in life and so seeking out the world’s most unique showering experiences is a dream prospect. To add an element of the unknown to the trip, we will be asking the British public to suggest far flung destinations so where I’ll end up and what I end up doing is anyone's guess.”

Roger Crabb, marketing manager at Mira Showers said: “We hope this adventure will not only provide Gary with an unforgettable experience but will also provide us with invaluable information.

“Maybe people could suggest a shower under Niagara Falls or a relaxing dip in the river Ganges.”

Gary will embark on his trip in January next year.