INTRICATE patterned wallpaper which adorns the walls of the Royal Pavilion inspired Max the Snowdog.

Brighton designer and artist Sarah Arnett picked exotic animals she found in the luxurious Regency interior of the royal palace to bring her idea for the giant pooch outside Hove Museum alive.

She said: "I am obsessed with the Royal Pavilion and I wanted to celebrate it in a different way that has never been done before. I picked some of the animals, and not necessarily the ones that instantly stand out on the wallpaper."

The 48-year-old, who makes clothes and other textiles, said ever since she was little she has been fascinated by art.

She added: "The Martlets is such an incredible place so I was so pleased that I was asked to help support this project. I've worked all around the world doing all sorts of glamour things but my 15-year-old son was the most impressed when he heard I was going to be in The Argus talking about the Snowdogs."

Joan and Jerry Cooper, of Hove, are loyal supporters of the hospice sponsored Max.

Mrs Cooper said: "He's absolutely beautiful. The design is just magnificent, I am thrilled. When I looked at him I could see the Royal Pavilion immediately. He is our favourite of course but we have loved discovering the other designs. When we heard about the Snowdogs I was sold, I wanted to support the idea straight away. It is great fun for children and a great advertisement to encourage support of the hospice."