CROWDS of people are flocking to spot Snowdogs around Brighton and Hove today.

On the first day of the Snowdogs by the Sea trail hundreds of people were already armed with maps looking for their favourite giant, uniquely decorated giant pooch.

The 43 models, which are 1.5 metre tall and in the shape of the Snowdog children’s character, are dotted around the city. A 44th is at London Victoria Railway Station and there is a huge sand sculpture at Brighton Marina near three of the dogs.

They are joined by a pack of Snowpuppies which have been designed by Brighton and Hove schoolchildren and went on display on Monday in city museums and libraries.

The charity project follows on from the success of similar events with different characters in other cities.

The Argus Newshound, at Brighton Railway Station, was attracting plenty of attention this morning.

Public art trail superfan Danielle Humphreys travels from her home in Surrey around the country spotting giant decorated sculptures.

She was raring to go this morning and preparing to complete the entire trail in a day. 

The 43-year-old said: “I travelled here this morning to do it, I could not wait for the trail to launch. I’m off to Falmer now to see the one at the football stadium before going back into town and finding the rest. I’m taking pictures of all of them as I go. It is just so much fun and a great way to exercise too.”

You can tweet @Argus_Newshound and tell him who is your favourite Snowdog and share your pictures.

There is a free app to download during the trail to unlock QR codes featuring on all the sculptures for a chance to win prizes. Download the app from http://www.snowdogsbythesea.co.uksnowdogsbythesea.co.uk or search for it on the App Store or Google Play. It works on iPhone and Android.

Each giant dog you find will have a code. Scan it to mark the dog as ‘found'. This will allow you to access special offers and also enter your details to win prizes including a festive family weekend in Brighton with an overnight stay and free entry to an attraction.

When you ‘find’ Newshound you can enter a competition to win a deluxe family Christmas hamper sponsored by Choccywoccydoodah. Enter your details using the link for a chance to win chocolate, wine, vouchers, an official Snowdog figurine, a year’s subscription to The Argus plus many more gifts and treats.

Visitors have until November 27 to find all the sculptures before they are auctioned off in aid of The Martlets hospice. The Snowpuppies are on display until Christmas.

  • Pick up this weekend’s Argus in newsagents across Sussex for your ultimate guide to the trail complete with a map, introduction to all the dogs and the stories behind some of them as well as a children’s quiz to play while on the trail.
  • Don’t forget to strike a pose and enter The Argus Snowdog Selfie competition for a chance to feature in the newspaper and win a fabulous prize. Email snowdogs@theargus.co.uk with the subject heading ‘Argus Snowdog Selfie Competition’. Please be sure to include the picture as a large or high resolution jpg as an attachment with the full name and ages of everyone in the picture and where they live and a working contact telephone number or the entry will not be considered. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, November 18 and winners will be announced after the trail concludes.