A SNOWDOG celebrating one of the world's best known trains will welcome visitors to Brighton from London.

The giant sculpture will be called the Brighton Belle in a nod to the famous Pullman electric train which operated between 1933 and 1972, The Argus can announce today.

Some 40 big pooches - in the style of the popular children's character but each with their own design - will hit the streets of Brighton and Hove from late September in the biggest art project the area has seen of which The Argus is the official sponsor.

But this one will stand near platforms where trains lead to the city in London Victoria Railway Station.

It is being sponsored by the i360 - the latest organisation to join the pack more than 30 city-based businesses, companies and individuals helping to fundraise for The Martlets Hospice.

The British Airways attraction, which is designed by Marks Barfield Architects and due to open this year, is giving its adopted pet its own social media accounts for the occasion so everyone can follow its adventures online.

Eleanor Harris, chief executive of the i360, said: "The Snowdogs by the Sea art trail will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity of the city to locals and visitors alike, while also raising essential funds for Martlets Hospice. We are particularly excited that our Snowdog, Brighton Belle, will be at London Victoria station to welcome passengers onto the Brighton train."

Martlets chief executive Imelda Glackin said: "We’re delighted to welcome British Airways i360 as a sponsor of Snowdogs by the Sea, as it’s great to have the latest Brighton attraction involved in this magical event for the city. Having the Snowdog at Victoria Station is very exciting, as, not only will it bring a smile to people on their daily commute, but, it will encourage even more visitors to Brighton and Hove and to the trail, which in turn will benefit all of our Snowdog sponsors and ultimately the hospice.”

Neil Marshall, of charity 5BEL Trust which plans to restore the train and is carrying out trials later this year, said: "Anything which draws attention to the city is of importance and it is extremely encouraging to hear the Brighton Belle is being mentioned."

On Thursday sponsors picked the artist they would like to work with and chose initial designs. These will stay secret until the launch on September 22.

There is still time for more sponsors to sign up.

The models, inspired by The Snowman and The Snowdog, the popular sequel to the Sussex-based Raymond Briggs' classic book and television adaptation, will be auctioned off after the trail. The display is in conjunction with Wild in Art.

How to get involved

THERE is still time to sponsor a snowdog.

Businesses, groups, organisations and individuals are invited to pledge £5,000 in return for being linked to one of the giant-sized models to take part in the trail later this year. Artists are being chosen to decorate each of dog with a unique design, personality and story.

To adopt a pooch before they are all snapped up, call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets Hospice on 01273 718797 or by emailing sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk.