Arsenal and Spurs fans have been invited to unite in aid of a hospice caring for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Around 10,000 people have been scouring the streets of north London searching for 30 giant owls and 22 baby owls as part of North London Hospice's Big Fun Art Adventure.

This week the hospice brought the owl sculptures together in Tottenham’s Hale Village, with Tottenham and Arsenal club-themed owls on display, signed by all the clubs' players.

Fans of TV personality Matt Lucas also posed with his brightly-coloured owl while followers of children’s author Rob Biddulph were meeting his owl character Eugene off the page and larger than life.

The owls will now go to auction on November 7 at Arsenal’s Highbury stadium to raise money for the hospice's end-of-life care. 

Grant Morgan, father of 22-year-old Jack Morgan who was cared for at the hospice in Woodside Avenue, North Finchley, is leading the appeal for support.

“Jack was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer,” he said. “Our family experienced the exceptional care from the hospice.

“Dr Jo Brady was a phenomenal support and shining light to us during those very dark days.

“We shall be forever grateful for that and will always remember the support the hospice gave us. The team was there for us when we needed them.”

The owls are on display at Tottenham Hale until today (November 1) between 10am and 4pm along with activities for the half-term.

North London Hospice, which serves the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey as well as offering some services in Camden and Islington, picked owls because they are “known for their wisdom and kindness”.

Hospice staff, like owls, also work through the night giving end-of-life care top those with terminal illness.

The owl adventure trail and the auction is helping the hospice raise funds to meet its £16 million annual running costs.

The November 7 auction is by an auctioneer from Christie’s auction house. Anyone interested in bidding is being asked to email bigfunart@northlondonhospice.co.uk by Friday (November 1).

Entry is free but those interested are being asked to register online at tinyurl.com/2dgdh2h6.

North London Hospice services are free — but cost £16m a year to fund. Only a third comes from the NHS. The hospice relies on public donations for the rest.