A PAINTING signed by the late Red Arrow pilot, Jon Egging, will be up for auction at a charity fundraiser this week.

The artwork, called Eagle Bend by Colin van Geffen, was signed by Jon Egging, as well as the rest of the 2011 Red Arrow team, on the night before he lost his life after an air display for the Bournemouth Air Festival, on August 20, 2011.

It will be sold during a silent auction at the Red Garden Party, being held at the Hotel Miramar on Saturday, August 31, in aid of the charity set up in the Red Arrow pilot’s name, The Jon Egging Trust.

Another lot will feature the painting, Synchro Pair by Harry Fynn, which has been signed by all of the 2013 Red Arrows team, amongst other items donated by the Red Arrows, BBMF and the Typhoon display pilot.

Maurice Patterson from the Bournemouth Jon Egging Trust Committee, said: “Anyone can come along to the event, and enjoy themselves, whilst raising money for charity.

“The Bournemouth Jon Egging Trust Committee is a very small group, but we will work to raise funds to support the charity through several events.

“It has been supported by both Dawn and Dr Emma Egging, and they will be coming along themselves.

“The idea behind the Red Garden Party is, following the two-year anniversary of his death, we want to celebrate the life of Jon Egging.”

The Red Garden Party will feature a hog roast on the front lawn of the hotel, which aims to coincide with the Night Air programme and firework display on Saturday.

It is also being attended by a number of the display pilots in their flying uniforms.

Tickets cost £25 per person, with £10 going to The Jon Egging Trust.

The event is running from 7.30pm to 12.30pm.

Book and programme now available

BOURNEMOUTH Air Festival is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of people into the town as the action kicks off on Thursday.

The four-day event, now in its sixth year, sees a host of aircraft take to the skies over Bournemouth seafront, which many see as one of the best free family events in the area.

The Daily Echo is running a special promotion, where people can purchase the official Bournemouth Air Festival Souvenir programme and the book for a special price of £20, saving £1.95, when bought from the Daily Echo’s Air Festival stand.

For a list of stockists for the brochure and book, and for all the Air Festival coverage, go to bournemouthecho.co.uk