Gogglebox star to host Snowcats charity auction

A total of 46 Snowcats created by talented artists have been peering out of windows in Hanover, Brighton, throughout May.

The cat-size feline art will now be sold off to the highest bidders, raising much-needed funds for the local rescue and rehoming charity ‘Lost Cats Brighton’.

Mr Steed will host the Snowcat Auction and Cat Pub Quiz at the Dover Castle Pub, Hanover, on June 20, from 6.30pm.

He said: "I'm supporting Lost Cats Brighton because losing a pet is one of the most traumatic experiences an owner can go through. I was distraught when (our cat) Ginge went missing, but I was very fortunate to get him back. As a result, this is a cause that's very close to my heart. I am really looking forward to the evening and raising urgently needed funds to help Lost Cats Brighton to find a new home.”

The night at The Dover Castle Pub will have an eclectic cat-walk of the 46 Snowcats and will kick off with a fantastic feline-themed pub quiz. There will also be a raffle including prizes donated by the wonderful 'Crazy Cat Lady Boutique' as well as limited edition ‘Paulbysea’ photographs of your favourite Snowcats available to buy.

The Snowcats were inspired by the Snowdogs which were dotted around Brighton and Hove last year in aid of Martlets Hospice.

The feline initiative is in aid of Lost Cats Brighton, which rescues abandoned, unwanted and homeless cats, with the ultimate aim of rehoming them. Through its Facebook page and website, the charity reunites dozens of lost cats every month with their owners. For 17 years the charity operated from founder Ron Ayres’ rented bungalow, but after Ron passed away in January, Lost Cats needs to find a new home.

The creator of the Snowdog 'Blot the dog’ Jason McQuillen, has created a black and white street-art style Snowcat ‘Flealion’.

Award-Winning Katherine Griffin, the artist behind the popular 'Bobby' Snowdog, has created 'Mr Frosty' the Snowcat who pays homage to a range of classic characters, including Woodstock from Charlie Brown and Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street.

’Jimmy’ includes an autographed photograph of the ‘80s pop icon Jimmy Somerville, ’Peter James’ comes with an autographed book by the celebrated Brighton crime writer Peter James, and ‘Gogglebox' is autographed by Gogglebox’s Chris Steed.

To secure your place at the auction night, you should submit your maximum Snowcat pre-bids by e-mail to event organiser Lucy Clifford at [email protected].

For full details of the Snowcat auction lots, visit: www.moggymeowscatsitting.com/snowcats