Birmingham will become a virtual aviary in 2015 as a host of feathered friends descend on the city as part of a major mass participation art event.

More than 100 5ft 4ins owls will appear throughout the city over ten weeks during summer 2015 as part of an event entitled The Big Hoot.

It is being organised by public art firm Wild in Art, in partnership with Birmingham Children's Hospital, and is being funded by a host of corporate sponsors from around the region.

The sculptures will be brought to life by local artists in an initiative which will provide a trail of art aiming to unite businesses, residents and visitors while raising vital funds for the hospital.

The scheme will offer an opportunity for city children to decorate 200 3ft 'owlet' sculptures, which will be displayed at various venues for the duration of the event, before being returned to the schools to keep as a memento of their participation.

Sarah-Jane Marsh, chief executive of Birmingham Children's Hospital, said: "The Big Hoot is a hugely exciting venture for Birmingham as a city and we at Birmingham Children's Hospital are honoured to have been selected to benefit from the half a million pounds we hope to raise as a result.

"This donation will help to support the ground-breaking work we carry out at the hospital, but more than that, the Big Hoot will also inspire pride in our much loved city and offer families a fun and free day out exploring everything that greater Birmingham has to offer."

Sally-Ann Wilkinson, director of Wild in Art, said: "Our public art projects have a proven track record of increasing tourism and heightening the profile of our host cities, and we're confident that this will continue in Birmingham, as visitors and residents alike discover the city through this unique and visually stunning artistic trail."