School students at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) had a very unusual visitor to school.

Giant snail Geronimo was there to celebrate the Aldridge Foundation’s part in the Snailspace campaign to raise money for the Martlets Hospice.

The Foundation, which set up BACA, is sponsoring the Junior Snailway, which will see 50 smaller snails decorated by young people from schools and youth groups across the city.

They will take their place alongside 45 giant snails to form a unique public art trail in Brighton this autumn.

Brighton philanthropist Sir Rod Aldridge said: “My primary reason for getting involved in Snailspace is to honour the memory of my mother, Doris Aldridge. She passed away at the age of 101 last August and had raised money for Martlets throughout her life.

“Backing this life-affirming event, that brings the community together, young and old alike, is the perfect way to continue her legacy. Sponsoring the Snailspace campaign is a great way to support creativity in the city, as well as encouraging young people to explore important themes such as nature, the environment and mental health.”

The Snailspace Learners Programme has almost 50 schools and youth groups signed up, which is double the number who took part in the previous Snowdogs event. All ages are represented from toddlers to sixth formers. Almost 15,000 children across the city will be involved.

Speaking about the partnership with the Aldridge Foundation, Imelda Glackin, chief executive of Martlets Hospice, said: “This is a wonderfully fitting tribute to Doris Aldridge’s memory. It is fantastic to have the Aldridge Foundation as sponsors of the Learners Programme as they have such an important educational presence in the city and our campaign’s objectives fit so well with their approach to learning.”

“We are also thrilled that so many schools have signed up to be part of the event. It is amazing that despite the many pressures facing schools that they have been so keen to embrace this event and raise money to enable us to care for local people when they need it.”

The Snailspace art event will hit the streets of Brighton and Hove in September.