AFTER the Snowdogs, here come the snails.

Fatboy Slim took to the stage at the Theatre Royal Brighton yesterday to launch the latest fundraiser for the Martlets hospice in Hove.

After the huge success of last year’s Snowdogs by the Sea trail, the city will now be invaded by snails.

They will be coming out of their shells next autumn, the result of a partnership between the hospice and Wild In Art.

Hove-based DJ Fatboy, aka Norman Cook, said it was a cause close to his heart as the stepfather of estranged wife Zoe Ball spent his final days at the Martlets.

He said: “The initial heartstring was tugged, and I had to get involved.

“It’s such a crazy idea, the Snowdogs really captured the imagination of people across Brighton and I have no doubt next year’s campaign will do the same.”

Three snails, two of which have already been decorated by local artists, were unveiled before an audience of businesses, artists and community groups to the DJ’s track Right Here Right Now.

The Martlets and Wild In Art wanted to place emphasis on people slowing down their lifestyles and taking more note of the present.

Imelda Glackin, CEO at Martlets, said: “The snail sculpture resonates wonderfully with the work we do at Martlets.

“In this fast-paced city it’s often hard to remember to slow down and appreciate the things in life that make us smile.

“The strikingly painted snails across our city will be a constant reminder to take a moment to enjoy the time we have with the people we share our lives with.”

Snailspace is the much-anticipated follow up to the successful Snowdogs by the Sea, which raised £310,000 for the Martlets and contributed in excess of £10 million to the local economy by bringing in thousands of tourists.

It is hoped there will be more than 40 snails on the trail.

Businesses are now being urged to join in by coming forward to sponsor their own sculptures, which will all be indiviodually decorated.

The shelled gastropods will start to pop up throughout the city, decorated by local artists and community groups, in September next year.

For more information, visit www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk.