THE man who graffitied a Snowdog has apologised for his actions and urged others to think twice about doing the same.

He has owned up to adding a black nose and spots to the shiny Gizmo sculpture which is on display in The Level.

The man came forward after pictures emerged online and were published in The Argus.

He said: “I knew nothing about the art trail. I saw the sculpture and thought it was a Fringe sort of thing and something to take part in. I had half a can of spray paint in my bag from my volunteer work and thought I would add to the design.

“I was mortified when I found out it was a project to help terminally ill people and I want to apologise to the world for what I did. I just did not think, I did not know it would cause upset. I am asking others please to not do what I did.

“I have health problems of my own and I am homeless. I am working hard to turn my life around. I want to get a job.”

The spray paint has been cleaned off.

Despite the incident it has been a fantastic first week for the art trail which has seen thousands of visitors flock to the city.

The sculptures have garnered praise from around the country with Dragons’ Den business guru Deborah Meaden the latest celebrity to endorse them.

She tweeted her followers describing the dogs as both “eye-catching” and “fun”.

The dogs are also set to appear on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing tonight.

Forty three of the dogs hit the streets last weekend with another at London Victoria. Money raised will go to the Martlets Hospice in Hove.

Charlotte Barrow, from VisitBrighton, said the trail was expected to attracted thousands more visitors over the next two months.

She added: “The trail is a really positive statement and has definitely sparked interest with people. It is another great reason for people to visit our city.”

Admirers have donated more than £700 to the charity by text since the launch and a business pledged £500 after one of its van drivers was pictured having driven into a Snowdog.

On Wednesday, 12 teams from city businesses raced around the trail in fancy dress grabbing as many selfies with the models as possible in two hours, raising at least £3,000.

Thousands of people have already celebrated the trail by sharing pictures and using hashtags online, The Martlets said yesterday.

A themed open top bus tour has nearly sold out and another could be planned due to a big demand.

More than 2,000 people downloaded an app which records when they find a Snowdog to unlock special offers and win prizes.

The dogs will be auctioned off in December for The Martlets.

You can donate while on the trail by texting SDOG16 £3 to 70070.