WHEN night falls this evening there will be some strange goings on in Brighton and Hove.

Listen out and you may hear the sound of heavy panting, a swish of wagging tails and jingle of collars.

Because all across the city, 44 hounds will be roaming the streets.

But do not fear, they will not hurt you.

In fact, they are just big, friendly pooches looking forward to meeting you on the Snowdogs by the Sea trail.

The first of the giant, individually-designed sculptures are being put into position from 7pm tonight as part of the event which will raise money for The Martlets Hospice in Hove.

Volunteers, including a team of police officers, will transport 43 of the 1.5 metre models from their monster-sized kennel at Rendezvous Casino in Brighton Marina to spots around the city.

They will work into the dead of night and start again early tomorrow morning to make sure the 40kg dogs are all in place ready for the public when the trail officially launches on Saturday.

Meanwhile a 44th Snowdog, called Brighton Belle, is off to guard London Victoria Railway Station and direct visitors to Brighton.

The models are the shape of the Snowdog, a children's character featuring in the sequel to Raymond Briggs' story The Snowman.

Artists have lovingly decorated each Snowdog with a unique design and they have all been sponsored by businesses to help raise money for the charity. Wild in Art, which runs public art projects like this around the country, suggested Brighton for this event because of its links to the story.

Mr Briggs lives in Sussex and the original animation of The Snowman showed the characters flying over Brighton Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion.

A huge Snowman and Snowdog sand sculpture will also be on display at Brighton Marina while 22 Snowpuppies decorated by schoolchildren can be see at city museums and libraries.

The trail lasts until November 27 before the sculptures go up for auction and the snowpuppies are on display until Christmas.

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

You're chance to meet The Argus Newshound and our Snowdog correspondent

DON’T miss our special Snowdogs by the Sea supplement on Saturday. 

It is your ultimate guide on how to take part in the charity arts trail featuring all the information you need, including a map, quiz, facts, an introduction to all the sculptures and the stories behind some of them. 

Visit the Argus stand at Brighton Station from 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday to pick up your copy, get your hands on a special Snowdog trail survival kit goody bag and meet our Snowdog correspondent Flora Thompson. She wants to know what you think about the trail, which is your favourite dog and what you love about Brighton. 

From every sale at the Argus stand in the station, 20p will be donated to The Martlets hospice.