THE sun may not have shone on the final day of the Bournemouth Air Festival - but for the guests of a Ferndown charity, it didn't matter.

Although the flying programme was cancelled due to rain and high winds, the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation's hospitality day went ahead as planned.

And it took a dose of Thornton-style "cheerfulness in adversity" as visitors were at one stage warned they may have to vacate the marquee as there was a danger it would be flooded by high tides.

Charity founders Pete and Linda Thornton have raised around £100,000 over the past decade through the air festival alone.

"With the flying programme cancelled from the off, it was a real team effort to make a success out of what could have so easily been a disaster," said Linda.

"It was quite an emotional day one way or another and we know that John would be amazed at what was achieved."

As guests arrived at the marquee, they were entertained with a Land Girls performance before lunch was served.

Former Red Arrow and air show commentator Andy Bobbins then agreed to speak to guests and Miss Dorset gave an impromptu interview.

Typhoon pilot Mandy Hickson rounded off the day with a talk about her career.

Pete said: "It was amazing.

"Everyone involved just took our breath away. It's what it's all about for us."

As reported in the Daily Echo in July, more than 1,000 young people have now been able to follow their dreams thanks to the Foundation.

The charity was established following the death of Royal Marine John Thornton, who was just 22 when he died in Afghanistan in 2008.

Since then, his parents have given away more than £500,000 to youngsters living in East Dorset.

The Foundation supports local young people to achieve their ambitions and realise their potential.

Pete said: "We get lots of people who come back year after year, then we get new people too, so we always have new friends at the end of it."