A GIANT dog named Dudley dressed in DIY dungarees could greet visitors on a street corner later this year.

This is one of the ideas sponsors Dockerills had for how their Snowdog sculpture could be designed when it hits the streets of Brighton and Hove.

Some 40 1.5 metre hounds will appear from late September in the biggest art project the area has seen in aid of The Martlets Hospice.

More than 30 businesses, companies and individuals have signed up so far, pledging £5,000 for the privilege to help raise money for the charity.

Tomorrow [Thursday] they will find out which artists will be designing their Snowdog - but there is still time for more to sign up.

Ryan Galer, director of the family-owned hardware store in Church Street, said: "We're thinking of calling our Snowdog Dudley after our shop dog and looking along the theme of DIY so maybe some dungarees but we haven't quite decided.

"He will be stood down near St Peter's Church. We do a lot of work with The Martlets so this made sense and we thought it sounds like a good project."

Some of the latest to join the pack include Bill's restaurant, Bella Italia and Brighton and Hove Buses.

Events and campaigns company Yellow Fish has sponsored a Snowdog which will stand on Hove Lawns.

Sue Wright, senior campaign and event manager for the Stone Street-based company, said: "Yellow Fish was born and bred in Brighton, this exciting city inspires us every day so we jumped at the chance to sponsor a dog while supporting The Martlets, a charity close to our hearts.

"Getting involved in a brilliant Brighton event and seeing our dog standing proud on Hove Lawns is something we can’t wait to see.

"We want a dog that represents the creativity of our agency as well as the Brighton coastline."

Maureen Edwards, business development manager at Burt Brill and Cardens Limited solicitors, said: "As one of the oldest firms in Brighton focussing on legal services for individuals we are very happy to be supporting The Martlets and Snowdogs by the Sea – helping them help others in the community.

"Working with our local artist we have some great ideas for a design bringing together this firm’s historical connections to the city and its special relationship with its environment.

"Our dog’s name is now decided and we’ll be announcing it soon."

The project is in conjunction with Wild in Art. The Argus is the official media partner for the project.

How to get involved

ORGANISERS are on the hunt for sponsors to take part in the Snowdogs by the Sea trail.

Businesses, groups, organisations and individuals are invited to pledge £5,000 in return for being linked to one of the giant-sized models.

Artists will be chosen to decorate each of the Snowdogs. Each dog will be unique, with its own design, personality and story.

To get involved call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets Hospice on 01273 718797 or by emailing sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk by May 26.