IN PICTURES: Birmingham's Big Hoot owls go under the hammer for Children's Hospital
They've spread their wings and flown out of the second city.
After delighting thousands of people for months this summer, Birmingham's Big Hoot owls have now gone under the hammer to raise cash for the city's children's hospital and the 89 individually-designed sculptures raised an incredible £508,035.01 for the cause.
The charity auction was held at the Think Tank at Millennium Point on Thursday and saw favourites such as Ozzy's Owl - created in honour of homegrown rocker Ozzy Osbourne – go for £12,500. And the legendary frontman himself sent a video messages to bidders.
He said: "When I was asked to help Birmingham Children's Hospital and get involved, I instantly said yes.
"I am happy to have played my part and now it's your turn."
Ozzy's son Louis was treated at Birmingham Children's hospital and the rocker added: "They took such good care of him, something I will always remember."
Other big sellers included You Can Call Me Owl, painted in the distinct design of a traditional English telephone box, which sold for £12,000. Bids started around £3,000 and went as high as £18,000 for Re-Tail, created by artist Temper.
