A community arts event will see a town transformed by winter sculptures based on author Raymond Briggs’ classic The Snowman and the Snowdog.

Ashford Borough Council has supported a 10-week scheme which will start in the autumn next year, and will see giant snow dogs sculptures around the town’s streets and prominent places.

Both national and local artists are being invited to decorate a sculpture each, while businesses and community groups will be encouraged to sponsor them.

At the end of the exhibition, the sculptures will be auctioned, with the proceeds set to go to the Pilgrims Hospice to raise funds for the end of life care it provides.

Snowdogs was Mr Briggs’ follow up to his illustrated novel The Snowman which was published as a book 1978 and as a television adaptation in 1982.

The original television programme was a silent film, except for the song Walking in the Air. The sequel was created in 2012.

Council leader Gerry Clarkson said: “This will be a significant cultural event for 10 weeks in the autumn of 2018. Our streets and open spaces will become part of a world class trail of individually created Snowdogs sculptures.”

Mr Clarkson believes it will bring thousands of visitors to the town and promote businesses and organisations, while also boosting civic pride.

Similar sculpture schemes in the past have included the Superlambananas in the city of Liverpool in 2008 and Snowdogs by the Sea in Brighton and Hove last year.

For more information about taking part, visit www.ashfordsnowdogs.co.uk or search for Ashford Snowdogs on Facebook or Twitter.