Purr-fect fundraising trail will see '˜Snowcats' hidden in Hanover

The Snowcats, each created by local artists, were inspired by the Snowdogs which raised funds for Martlets Hospice last year.

The artists have donated their time and talent to help raise much-needed cash for the cat rescue and re-homing charity Lost Cats Brighton.

The cat-sized Snowcats will all be visible from the street, peering out of windows in the Hanover area of Brighton throughout May, each going to auction in June.

The Snowcat Trail is the brainchild of Lucy Clifford, who has combined two of her passions, cats and art. Lucy said: “Brighton’s Snowcat Trail has been made extra special by the incredible generosity of so many local artists, with different skills, styles, and techniques. The trail is an eclectic cat walk and a fresh air art gallery that will appeal to a wide audience: from primary school children seeking out the beautiful cats, to art connoisseurs planning to bid for a unique work of art at the auction in June.”

One Snowcat, created by Nicky Bagihole, is made up of pictures of Hanover.

Nicky said: “My Snowcat is in honour of Hanover, a very colourful place to live. The pictures I’ve used are all by local residents and are a celebration of our community – the people, the houses and of course the matching cars. The colour matching concept immediately caught the imagination of the creative people on the hill, via Hanover Community Notice Board on Facebook. I have brought their photos together to brighten up your day and raise money for charity in the form of a calendar, and now a cat!”

Lost Cats Brighton, the charity benefitting from the trail, rescues and looks after abandoned, unwanted and homeless cats, with the ultimate aim of rehoming them. For 17 years the charity operated from founder Ron Ayres’ rented bungalow, but he passed away in January and now Lost Cats itself needs to find a new home.

Sue Burt, a volunteer, said: “This is such a wonderful idea and I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the Snowcats. As a volunteer at Lost Cats Brighton, I’m so grateful to Lucy and her team for organising the event, and to all of the amazing artists for making it possible. Their support is greatly appreciated as we move forward and continue the legacy left by Ron.”

For updates, visit: www.facebook.com/charityart/