THE first artist to paint a Swindog has talked about her design - and the trail's organisers have outlined all the key dates you need to know.

Hannah Dosanjh has been busy working on an incredible design for the first inflatable dog sculpture, which will be unveiled later today.

Hannah works from her studio just outside Swindon where she creates stunning and vibrant paintings.

She said: “Two things really inspired my design - the idea that it’s finally okay for us all, especially children, to be outside again.

"Also, I wanted to celebrate Swindon’s beautiful parks and wild spaces.

"The last two years have made me more convinced than ever of the positive effect on our mental health just by spending time in green open spaces.”

Explaining why she wanted to be involved with the art trail, in the first place Hannah added:“After two years of working on small scale projects I thought it would be amazing to work on something so big and so public.”

To find out more about Hannah and her work visit www.hannahdosanjh.co.uk

These are all the key dates for your diary in the lead up to the Big Dog Art Trail for Julia's Hospice.

It launches tonight at the Steam Museum at 7pm, with businesses interested in sponsoring a sculpture.

An open call for artists to submit designs for the 30+ Swindogs will begin in November.

Schools and youth groups in the Swindon area will be invited to join the programme until December by making designs for smaller Swindogs.

Next January, an art selection event will see sponsors choose their artist's design for each of the sculptures.

The Swindogs will then be decorated throughout March and April 2023 and a sponsors' activation workshop will be held during this time period.

The Big Dog Art Trail will go live around Swindon on July 15 2023 and last until September 3. This is when people can roam around the town to see each Swindog.

A big farewell event will bring all the colourful sculptures under one roof on September 16 and 16.

Finally, an auction event will be held on September 18 2023 to sell off the one-of-a-kind artworks to new owners.

All the money raised from these sales will be donated to Julia's House.