THE Snowdogs have finally arrived.

After months of planning, designing and painting, the collection of giant hounds have settled down in the city and are ready to meet you.

Today is the first weekend families and friends can go on the hunt to find their favourite in what is billed as a fantastic, fun way to raise money for The Martlets hospice.

Imelda Glackin, the charity's chief executive, said: "It was 18 months ago we first engaged in this project and we were a little unsure of how it was going to work but wow, just look at them.

"This campaign and the story of The Snowman and the Snowdog reflects us as a hospice - it is about love, friendship and is totally memorable.

"Everyone can enjoy this knowing that they are helping in our work. I know the trail will help create memories to last a lifetime."

The Martlets is one of the Brighton and Hove mayor Pete West's nominated charities this year.

He hailed the charity trail as"fabulous" adding that it is not only a worthwhile cause but would also be a huge boost to the city.

He added: "There has been so much enthusiasm for this and they really capture the imagination."

They came out in the dead of the night on Thursday into Friday with the help of the police.

The boys in blue helped the 40kg dogs into position and securely fastened each of them on to a 600kg concrete plinth .

The journey began at Rendezvous Casino in Brighton Marina where a fork lift truck hoisted the 43 models on to the back of lorries.

The officers, who volunteered their time, along with Lancing-based Sussex Transport took charge of the unusual load and delivered them around the city.

For sergeant Ben Starr, it was a job like no other.

The 34-year-old, based at John Street police station, said: "Normally on shift we will be called out to public order and domestic incidents, pub fights, that sort of thing so this is really fun and unusual.

"It's all for a good cause and that's why we wanted to help. The Disco Dog has really caught my eye."

The city's divisional commander Nev Kemp and chief constable Giles York saw the Sussex Police-sponsored Snowdog called Bobby placed by the i360.

It will soon be wearing a special flat cap in a nod to the forces new uniform.

Mr Kemp said: "It's going to be varnished on so it stays in place which I think will look really fun. The flat cap is part of our new gender neutral uniform which both female and male officers can wear."

Mr York added: "I think this will give Brighton a real lift."

Nicholas Pulford, director of Sussex Transport, was one of three staff to help lift the Snowdogs into place from the company.

He said: “As soon as we heard about the Snowdogs project we wanted to help out – it is all for a good cause. We also fell in love with the Snowbrador Snowdog so have sponsored him. We hope lots of people like him as much as we do and visit him on the seafront.”

A team of volunteers will be on patrol around the city during the trail telling people about the project and answering questions.

The Martlets has asked that visitors do not climb or damage the sculptures in any way.

Report damage or vandalism on a special Snowdog hotline 0808 1641810.

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

MEET THE ARGUS HOUND AT STATION

TODAY is your chance to meet The Argus Newshound and our Snowdog correspondent.

Reporter Flora Thompson will be at Brighton Station from 9am to 12.30pm to introduce you to our Snowdog.

She wants to hear what you think of the trail, which dog is your favourite design and why you love Brighton and Hove.

If you visit The Argus stand at the station during this time you will also be able to buy a special Snowdog survival kit goody bag complete with a copy of today’s paper, which features the ultimate guide to the Snowdogs by the Sea trail.

This will have all the information you need to take part in the trail including a quiz, an introduction to all the sculptures and the stories behind some of them.

The Argus will donate 20p of every sale made at the stand to The Martlets hospice.

The supplement is inside every copy of today’s paper on sale in newsagents across Sussex.

So whatever you are doing this morning, take five minutes to say hello and come and meet our Newshound.

DOWNLOAD SPECIAL APP

THE Snowdogs by the Sea charity art trail went live today.

A collection of giant sculptures of the much-loved children’s character, which features in the sequel to Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, are on city streets for visitors to find and admire.

There are 43 individually decorated 1.5 metre high pooches here and a 44th at London Victoria, directing visitors down to Brighton and Hove for the trail until November 27.

They are joined by a pack of Snowpuppies which have been designed by Brighton and Hove schoolchildren and went on display on Monday in city museums and libraries.

They will remain there until Christmas.

Now the trail has launched you can download a special app to follow the trail and unlock special offers.

And you can take part in The Argus Snowdog Selfie competition.

The best pose with family, friends and loved ones will win a Snowdog-themed prize.

More details on how to get involved with the trail and how to enter our competition can be found insde today’s 16-page Snowdogs by the Sea supplement, free with The Argus.

When the trail ends there will be a special farewell event where you can see all the figures in one place.

Then the figures will be auctioned off in aid of The Martlets hospice in Hove.