THE Snowdogs by the Sea arts trail launched only last weekend.

Lots of children and families have enjoyed it so far already.Workers on their lunch hours raise a smile when they see them.

The 1.5m models make everyone happy.

And that is the point it is a great fun way to bring in thousands of visitors. Many more have told us they are planning to visit when they get the time.

The Snowdog is a popular little dog, in all of its 44 designs across the city (though one is at Victoria station in London).

And even more than the fun side, when the arts trail comes to an end in two months' time the fantastic creations will be auctioned off with the money going to The Martlets hospice.

What a fantastic cause.

So when vandals scribble their tags all over somebody else's artwork, or somehow cause a crack to appear, they are potentially reducing the value of the dog.

By doing that, sadly that means the hospice, which desperately needs the money to continue providing care for poorly and dying people, loses out.

We all like to have fun in this city and the Snowdogs add to that. They are here to be enjoyed. Take a selfie with them, you can touch them. But please don't damage them.

We need to all use a little bit more self control and restraint at times.

Whether it is after a drink or two or not, let's hold back.

Any damage costs the hospice and could mean less enjoyment for the thousands yet to enjoy the trail.