A number of giant, decorated model dogs have been removed from a town centre after a popular art trail came to a close.

The 35 kooky canines made up the Snowdogs Discover Ashford exhibition, and had been in the town for 10 weeks.

Inspired by the 2012 Raymond Briggs film The Snowman and The Snowdog, each had been uniquely designed by a local or national artist and sponsored by one of the town's businesses.

The model mutts could be collected via an official app, which has charted the activity of trail participants since the project's inception.

Visitors using the app have walked 944 miles - further than the distance from Ashford to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon - spending 16,545 hours hunting for the hounds.

Despite many participants not downloading the app, 56,386 rewards were collected for finding particular dogs and completing the collection.

Town centre footfall increased dramatically in September, up 122,000 from the previous month.

The trail was removed throughout Sunday afternoon and evening, ending the 10-week run.

The Infinity Dog, whose early relocation caused considerable public debate and a church petition, was unable to be returned to St Mary's Church grounds before the trail's end.

Ashford Borough Council's Chris Dixon, who organised the trail, said: "It went really well. Every time I was in a queue at a supermarket or bus stop, I could hear people praising the trail.

"There aren't many things that have that kind of impact, it's got the town buzzing and everyone's been so excited to be involved.

"To see people come from all over - including Cumbria, Derby and Wales - just for the Snowdogs is incredible. We've noted a significant increase in footfall, with some businesses having doubled their sales due completely to the trail.

"Fans of the Snwdogs will have another opportunity to see their favourites, get the last couple of dogs for their collection and get some selfies.

"We're currently giving them some tender loving care and touching up the paintwork, making sure they are ready for the final exhibition."

The sculptures have been moved to the Julie Rose Stadium ahead of the so-called 'farewell weekend' on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2.

On Monday, December 3, the sculptures will be auctioned off at the Ashford International Hotel where the highest bidders will be able to take home their preferred pooches.

All money from the Motorline-sponsored sale will go to the Pilgrims Hospice.

For more information, visit ashfordsnowdogs.co.uk