Comedian Matt Lucas paid tribute to a friend's son who died of cancer with an owl sculpture that is "full of colour, life, hope and brightness".

The Little Britain and Great British Bake Off star was invited by the North London Hospice to design and sign an owl for its Big Fun Art Adventure trail in Alexandra Palace this summer.

He created the giant, colourful bird in memory of his friend Grant Morgan’s son Jack, who was cared for by the hospice when he was aged just 22.

The owl - named Jack - can be seen in the grounds of Ally Pally, which is hosting the giant art sculpture trail until October 13.

The comedian, who went to Haberdashers' Boys' School in Borehamwood, said: “I’m very flattered to have been asked to design an owl for North London Hospice in honour of the amazing work they do.

"Like Jack, it is full of colour, life, hope and brightness. It carries on Jack’s great work, reminds people who he was and what he did. Jack is still with us.”

Matt Lucas was invited to design an owl for the North London Hospice's Big Fun Art Adventure trailMatt Lucas was invited to design an owl in memory of a friend's son, Jack, for the North London Hospice's Big Fun Art Adventure trail (Image: Ian Kiffin)

Jack's father Grant Morgan has called on visitors to support the Big Fun Art Adventure.

He said: “Jack was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer and our family experienced the exceptional care and devotion of the hospice.

"Dr Jo Brady was a phenomenal support and shining light to us all during those very dark days, and for that, we shall be forever grateful.

"We will always remember the support the hospice provided. The team were there for us when we needed them.”

Art lovers and adventurers of all ages have been having a hoot since the trail began on August 17.

Thirty uniquely designed owls - each standing on a plinth at over 6ft tall – have been waiting to be discovered on a fun, free and easy-to-follow art trail. 

The owls are hidden in plain sight alongside more than 22 smaller owlets, which are hosted indoors. 

Participants use an app to unlock rewards as they go, or following a paper map.

As well as Matt Lucas's owl, Tottenham and Arsenal football supporters will want to seek out their team themed owls and there's also a design from children’s author Rob Biddulph.

North London Hospice, which serves the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey communities, as well as providing some services in Camden and Islington, picked owls because they are known for their wisdom and kindness and for passing on stories through generations and across cultures.

Hospice staff, like owls, also work through the night supporting patients and healthcare professionals, providing free end-of-life care.

The adventure trail will help the charity to raise vital funds to meet its annual running costs of more than £16 million.

The venture is being run in partnership with world-renowned creative producers Wild in Art.