THE city’s slowest residents went under the hammer last night, raising £231,400 for the Martlets Hospice charity.

The snails have proved popular with people of all ages across Brighton and Hove since they were installed in September.

But last night it was time for auctioneer and Bargain Hunt star Mark Stacey to send them to their “forever homes”.

The Argus:

ABOVE Mark Stacey was the man tasked with selling the city's snails

Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, who greeted guests as they arrived at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, said: “Today is very exciting but it will be sad to see them go after seeing them all together here as a big family. We’ve had the fun with them but this is the icing on the cake.”

One-by-one the snails were pulled up to the stage to be sold to the highest bidder.

The Argus:

ABOVE Last night was the final chance to see all of the snails together 

Eager snail-hunters competed with each other – and an online audience – for the honour of taking one home.

Louise Gilbert paid £12,800 for the named snail “To Everything There is a Season”, the most paid for any snail.

The Argus:

ABOVE Louise Gilbert winning To Everything There is a Season for £12,800

The Brighton resident, who did not realise she was sitting in front of the snail’s artist, said: “I didn’t think he would be that popular – we are going to put him in the garden as he matches the flowers. He was the main one we had our eye on so we were very determined.”

Fiona Blair’s “Hokusai” sold for £12,000, Fatboy’s “Fast Forward The Mixtape Snail” sold for £7,000 and Natalie Guy’s “Disco Snail” went for £10,300.

To find out how much each of the 50 snails sold for, visit theargus.co.uk

Mayor of Brighton and Hove Dee Simson, said: “I was at the launch and have been visiting them around the city so it’s wonderful to be here at the auction.

“Apart from all the money they are set to raise it’s been brilliant that they’ve brought people into the city.”

The Argus:

ABOVE Imelda Glackin and Norman Cook 

Martlets chief executive Imelda Glackin said the proceeds would provide life-changing care for local people with terminal illnesses.

“It is also wonderful to know that the legacy of these snails will live on and give pleasure to their buyers for years to come.”