THE mum of the Red Arrows pilot who died when his jet crashed after a display at Bournemouth Air Festival has thanked the town for its support at this year’s event.

Flt Lt Jon Egging was killed when his Hawk jet crashed near Throop as the team returned to Bournemouth Airport during the 2011 show.

His mum, Dawn Egging, has thanked the people of Bournemouth after returning to the town for the 2013 festival last weekend.

Speaking on behalf of the Jon Egging Trust set up in his memory, Dawn said: “It is inevitably with mixed emotions that I return to Bournemouth. The sadness and loss I feel never goes away; but being among so many kind, supportive and generous people is so cheering and gives me hope.

“Many of you have given your time and enthusiasm – not to mention your donations – to Jon’s Trust and it is hugely heart-warming.

“I know that Jon would be so proud.

“I was overwhelmed by the huge number of supporters who joined us at the Red Garden Party at The Miramar on Saturday evening.”

She thanked all those involved in organising the event and those who have supported the trust’s work on the whole.

“There will be many others, but lastly I extend my gratitude to the people of Bournemouth who continue to show us kindness and respect and support us in our endeavours,” she added.

Dawn also gave an update on the charity’s work, which aims to help young people who are underachieving in the education system.

Its Blue Skies programme was launched last year and pupils from Glenmoor and Winton school have taken part, working closely with military test pilots and Wessex Archaeology at Boscombe Down.

See all our coverage of Bournemouth Air Festival 2013, pictures, video footage, special free desktop wallpaper and lots more at bournemouthecho.co.uk/air