SCHOOLS, youth groups and children’s clubs are being encouraged to get involved with a charity initiative which will showcase the creativity of young people.

The Junior Snailway will run alongside the follow-up to 2016’s Snowdogs by the Sea art trail, Snailspace.

It will feature a trail of smaller snail sculptures decorated by youngsters who sign up to the Learners Programme.

Yesterday, one of Snailspace’s giant snails was delivered to Hove Park School, in Nevill Road, Hove, as students gathered to help launch the initative.

The snail, which has been painted by the school’s art teacher Katherine Griffin, will be one of up to 50 giant sculptures scattered across Brighton and Hove in aid of The Martlets hospice in Hove this autumn.

Named Felicity, to symbolise happiness, the snail is painted with striking flora and fauna to represent the seasonal cycle and reflecting the spirals of a snail’s shell.

Ms Griffin said: “After being part of Snowdogs, I was so pleased to be asked back to design a sculpture for Snailspace.

“I’m so glad the school is getting involved. We’ve got lots of really talented kids who are very engaged in art and will be really excited.”

To cover the cost of the sculpture, The Martlets is asking schools and clubs to commit to a fundraising pledge of £750, with over a year to raise the money.

The Learners Programme will send out creativity resource packs to participants, which will include ideas for engaging children in the design and production of their sculpture through themes of nature and mental health.

Hove Park headteacher Jim Roberts said: “As a school, for one of our art teachers to be such an integral part of this is just so inspirational for our children.

“It will motivate our pupils to engage in design and art.

“We’ve aimed to do more in the community and are proud to support The Martlets.”

Hove Park School has announced it will run a competition to decide the final design of its sculpture for the Junior Snailway and is keen for its children to get involved.

Freya Blackman and Emma Shenoda, both 13 and in Year 9, think it’s a great idea.

Freya said: “Felicity is such an amazing snail, it’s really inspiring to have her here.

“The competition will be really nice for the school.”

Emma said: “I’m glad the school is getting involved in supporting The Martlets.”

l For a full picture spread of the launch, see Youth In Action in tomorrow’s edition of The Argus.