THE widow of the Red Arrows pilot who lost his life at Bournemouth Air Festival last year has paid tribute to her late husband and urged people to help take his legacy forward on the first anniversary of his death.

Flt Lt Jon Egging was killed a year ago today when his Hawk jet crashed at Throop as it returned to Bournemouth Airport after displaying over the seafront as part of last year's extravaganza.

The tragedy sent shockwaves around the town and triggered an unprecedented outpouring of emotion, with mountains of tributes left at the town hall and countless marks of respect made on the seafront as the flying continued the following day.

A permanent memorial is due to be erected on the East Cliff in time for this year's event, which takes place between August 31 and September 2.

Jon's family and friends said they wanted to extend their “heartfelt thanks” for the kindness that has been shown towards them over the past year.

His widow Dr Emma Egging said: “Jon will always be in our hearts and sorely missed. Please help us take Jon's positive ethos for life forward by supporting the work of the Jon Egging Trust, which was set up in his memory.”

Sqn Ldr Jim Turner, speaking on behalf of the Red Arrows, added: “A year ago today, our friend and team mate Jon egging tragically lost his life at Bournemouth Air Festival . Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jon's family on the first anniversary of his death.”

Terry Trevett, chairman of Bournemouth Red Arrows Association, said: “On this the first anniversary of Jon's tragic death, our thoughts and feelings go out to Emma and all his family, friends and former colleagues.

“We fully support the trust set up in Jon's memory and we're delighted that the Jon Egging Trust is being supported so well by the Bournemouth area and we will be doing our best to encourage everyone to give it their backing.”