A DISPLAY to mark the death of an aviation pioneer, who was the first to die in the country in a powered flight, has been approved for a site near Bournemouth.

Display boards, west of the Hiker Café at Hengistbury Head will mark Britain’s first international aviation meeting in 1910 and the death of Charles Rolls, flying pioneer and co-founder of Rolls Royce.

The 1910 event was organised by Bournemouth Corporation at Hengistbury airfield to celebrate the town’s centenary and attracted 19 pioneer aviators, but on the second day an accident led to the death of Charles Rolls.

The flying pioneer, who was 32, died when his plane began to break up and then crashed to the ground.

At the time, he was the best-known aviator in the country and also became the first man to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by plane, taking 95 minutes.

During his relatively short life, Rolls developed an enthusiasm for many modes of transportation. He was educated at Eton College where his interest in engines earned him the nickname 'Dirty Rolls'.

A memorial plaque already exists to mark the event but is on private land which is part of St Peter’s School, Southbourne.

The Charles Rolls Heritage Trust say the display boards will help commemorate the aviation meeting and the life of Charles Rolls and has the potential to be seen by up to a million people a year who visit the area.

It will be located close to the café and near a car park and bus stop on a level, paved area which will allow access to all. The design includes railway sleepers at its base and hardwood timber sections covering the three corners between the three sides which will explain the history of the event and the life of Charles Rolls.

The display will stand more than six feet tall with a weathervane at its tip.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has approved the application which was submitted last summer.

Almost thirty people had written to the council in support of the application.