SNOWDOG vandals have struck again in an act branded "disgusting" by fans of the trail.

Visitors were saddened to find the sunglasses ripped from The Kinks-themed Lola Snowdog this weekend in New Road.

It is the third serious incident of vandalism since the trail, to raise money to help The Martlets hospice care for terminally ill patients, launched in Brighton and Hove on September 24. Mike Wilson, 71, of Brighton, was on the hunt for the Snowdogs on Sunday when he saw the damage.

He said: "When I found the glasses had been ripped off I thought it was repulsive.

"I was visiting as many of the dogs as possible as a friend from Switzerland was so taken with the idea and thought it was 'very Brighton' so asked me to send some pictures.

"I've seen 25 so far and I think they are a great idea."

He has offered to donate money to help cover the costs of the damage.

Theatre Royal, the sponsor of the model, bemoaned the news but said: "The show must go on."

Martlets project manager Sarah Harvey said the damage was reported on Sunday but is believed to have taken place on Saturday night.

She said: "Lola's is looking a little worse for wear. We’ll be filling the holes and repainting but replacing the glasses may have to wait until the end of the trail. She's still in position and we won’t be removing her. All repairs are at the expense of the hospice. All other dogs are ok few scuffs and scratches due to people climbing on them which we are doing our best to discourage."

Sparky had to be taken away for repairs a few weeks ago but is now back on display in Preston Park. Dudley the Dockerills DIY dog was tagged with graffiti and there have been several other reports of scratches and bumps which Martlets volunteers have repaired.

Meanwhile the trail continues until November 27. Back by popular demand two more special Snowdog bus tours take place this week. The two and a half hour tours will take in 31 of the city's Snowdogs. This week to celebrate half term additional stops will be made to see Snowpuppies which were created by school children. On Wednesday the tour will also stop at the Jubilee Library and on Thursday it will also stop at Hove Museum. 

To report damage or vandalism of any of the sculptures call 0808 1641810.