CELEBRITY auctioneer Tim Wonnacott is set for one of his most unpredictable sales yet when the Snowdogs go under the hammer.

The former Bargain Hunt presenter, who has worked in the industry for more than 40 years, will be leading the auction on Tuesday which could see hundreds of thousands of pounds raised for The Martlets hospice.

Tim, who worked for Sotheby's - one of the world's oldest auction houses - for 25 years in Billingshurst and Olympia in London, met Roodle the Snowdog as he visited Brighton yesterday to finalise details with organisers.

The dogs are looking for new homes after being the stars of the two month public art trail on the streets of Brighton and Hove.

The project has raised thousands of pounds so far to treat terminally ill patients but it is hoped sales of the 1.5 metre individually designed and decorated models will attract even larger donations.

The 65-year-old, who lives near Horsham and who is also a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, said there is no telling how much the dogs will be sold for.

But the most recent street art sale he led, the auction of giant Gromit figures in Bristol in 2013, made more than £2 million for charity.

The Martlets believes successful bids will be in excess of £4,000, but there is no reserve. Prices could be significantly higher for some of the designs - particularly those with links to celebrities.

He said: "The auction is going to be really quite exciting and I'm very pleased to be involved. Snowdogs have been amazingly popular and it is a marvellous project.

"I hope this will translate into lots of frenetic bidding and high bidding on the night."

Tim will take to the auctioneer's podium armed with his hammer at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange at 7pm to start the bidding for all 44 dogs.

Sarah Harvey, Snowdogs project manager for The Martlets, said: "We are delight someone of Tim's experience is joining us for the auction. We look forward to seeing who will emerge as the highest bidder. The funds will help The Martlets continue vital work to help its patients."

Anyone keen to attend, and who is 18 or over, is asked to reserve tickets as soon as possible by contacting hello@snowdogsbythesea.co.uk. Registration takes place from 6.15pm and tickets cost £20 to enter. The event could last up to three hours.

Bidders unable to attend the auction can make an offer by watching it live online, thanks to Brighton-based software company Bidlogix.

The Argus is the official media partner for the Wild in Art and Martlets project.

See Monday's Argus for a special feature on Tim and his career.

ABOUT THE AUCTION

IF a one-of-a-kind giant 3D piece of art is at the top of your list of collector’s items, then the Snowdog auction is the right one for you.

You can bid in several ways - either buy a £20 ticket in advance to attend on the night, place a bid in advance or make an offer live online.

An account has to be registered to bid online and a telephone verification process needs to be completed so your account is approved. You can then place a commission bid by December 6, stating the amount you're willing to pay. This bid cannot be treated as a back-up bid in case your first choice of Snowdog is not picked. If you emerge the highest bidder, the Snowdog is yours.

A video stream will allow you to bid in a live auction as if you were in the room.

If you are the highest bidder on the night, The Martlets hospice will call you that evening to take payment and arrange either collection or delivery of the Snowdog or on the morning of December 7 if you cannot be reached. Delivery is at an additional charge and is organised through Apex Logistical Solutions. If you chose to collect your Snowdog you must do this by Thursday, December 8.

Anyone with queries should email hello@snowdogsbythesea.co.uk.

BUT TICKETS HAVE GONE FOR SNOWDOG SHOW

TICKETS have now sold out for the last chance to see the Snowdogs.

The entire pack of giant sculptures and Snowpuppies will be on display at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Sunday and Monday.

Snowdog fans were invited to buy tickets for the festive-themed farewell event after the models left the streets. It is the first time all could be seen on display in one place.

The live auction will be available to watch online for anyone unable to attend the event in person.