YEAR Nine students from two Bournemouth schools are embarking on a pioneering project set up in memory of Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging.

Twelve children from the Glenmoor and Winton Federated Trust have been chosen to take part in the Blue Skies programme, developed after Jon’s tragic death when his jet crashed in Bournemouth in August 2011.

The scheme aims to offer young people access to inspirational individuals and a unique learning environment.

The 13 and 14-year-olds will work closely with military test pilots from Boscombe Down and will get a behind the scenes tour and take part in training sessions to earn a BTEC in Work Skills.

Jon’s widow, Dr Emma Egging, was at Winton Arts and Media College to meet the students.

She said: “I’m really excited to be working with MoD Boscombe Down and young people from Bournemouth.

“The Empire Test Pilots’ School and the pilots that are trained through it are hugely inspiring and I’m confident the young people will gain a great deal from having these pilots mentor them through the programme of teamwork training opportunities.”

Guy Trotman from Glenmoor added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working alongside the Jon Egging Trust. Our people will be afforded opportunities to dev-elop life and work skills with all the short and long-term benefits”

The programme will run from March to June next year.