TWELVE Snowdogs have already been snapped up by sponsors as part of a fundraising art trail.

Businesses attended a launch event yesterday at the Royal Pavilion ice rink and traders are being invited to put cash behind the quirky sculptures to have them customised as they would like by artists before they are dotted around the city.

The aim is to raise money for the Martlets Hospice in Hove, which looks after people towards the end of their lives.

Celebrities including crime author Peter James and DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, were at the launch and both have the Martlets close to their hearts.

Norman said his partner, broadcaster Zoe Ball, lost her stepfather Rick two years ago and that he spent his last few weeks at the Martlets.

Norman said: "It's very close to my heart. And the bar has been raised with the creativity of it. I have been talking to someone who wants to drill holes in a Snowdog and put speakers in it. So the stakes are high - we're talking about proper works of art."

A Snowdog will reside at Norman and Zoe's Big Beach Cafe at Hove Lagoon.

The news comes after Peter James added his name as a sponsor last week.

The author said at the event: "Great cities seem to have an animal as a mascot. I think it's a terrific idea and it would be great to have the Snowdog as a symbol."

Many associate the city with seagulls, and Brighton and Hove Albion's life president Dick Knight was also at the launch.

His presence was as a trustee of the Martlets but he could not rule out one of the dogs being adorned with the club's blue and white stripes.

The project by Wild In Art hopes to not only help the Martlets but also attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brighton and Hove.

The 1.5 metre dogs inspired by The Snowman and The Snowdog, the popular film sequel to The Snowman, will be sold at a charity auction after they have appeared on the art trail in September.

Similar projects like Gromit Unleashed in Bristol have been hugely popular. The Argus will have a Newshound Snowdog.

Children will have the chance to design their own puppy Snowdog models for a school trail. These will be on display around the city before being returned to their school as a momento.

Each sculpture will be sponsored by a business, organisations or an individual.

Artists and businesses who hope to take part should call Sarah Harvey on 01273 718797 or email sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk.

For more information visit snowdogsbythesea.co.uk