BUSINESSES across the city are keen to take part in the latest street art installation to raise money for a hospice.

Sculptures of Shaun the Sheep will pop up across Brighton and Hove for a baa-rilliant new art trail for eight weeks in autumn 2023.

The “Shaun by the Sea” trail will feature about 40 statues of the much-loved children’s character, which will be individually designed and placed at a variety of sites across the city.

Two previous installations with Snowdogs and Snails raised a combined £600,000 for charity.

Among the businesses to back the upcoming trail in aid of the Martlets is Italian restaurant Donatello, with boss Mikele Addis saying he is “proud to sponsor” it. 

He said: “They continually provide such a fun and exciting addition to the colourful streets of Brighton while also supporting such a wonderful charity.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing our new installation in situ soon.”

A range of artists will be commissioned to customise a sculpture of Shaun to create a flock of diverse and colourful sheep.

The Argus: 'Regency Shaun' - one of roughly 40 sculptures that will appear on the streets of Brighton and Hove next year'Regency Shaun' - one of roughly 40 sculptures that will appear on the streets of Brighton and Hove next year (Image: Newsquest)

Photography company Vervate has also announced it will take part in the art installation.

A spokeswoman said: “Martlets are such a vital and cherished local institution and we’ve been privileged to support them for many years now.

“We have first-hand experience of how utterly valuable the life-affirming care they offer to Brighton and Hove residents is.

“Having been photography partners for the previous two sculpture trails, we are very excited to be part of the team for this new one.”

Hove DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, has also committed to sponsoring a sculpture and invited other local businesses to do the same.

He said: “To be a part of such a creative and inspiring community project, in support of a local charity we couldn’t do without is absolutely priceless.”

The installation is expected to be in place from September to November next year, with the sculptures auctioned off at the end of the trail to raise money for the Martlets.

The Snails in 2018 raised more than £230,000 for the Martlets in an auction of the 50 sculptures.