“EVEN though I only met Jon for the first time earlier this year, I feel I have lost a great friend.”

Terry Trevett sat distraught in Bournemouth Town Hall moments after signing the book of condolence to Red Arrow Jon Egging.

He was one of the people, many dressed in red and several in tears, who arrived in light rain to pay their respects from 10am and lay flowers by the Lion painted with Red Arrows imagery outside.

Mr Trevett is chairman of the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association and met Jon during training at RAF Scampton and at a barbecue at Bournemouth Flying Club.

“Jon came across as a very genuine modest gentleman with an aura,” he said.

“There were strong signs of his professionalism and his devotion to his role as one of Britain’s finest ambassadors.”

He added: “There’s a strong bond between the team and Bournemouth. They enjoy coming here because the display area is so fantastic for them and there’s always a big welcome.”

Anne Keeling, 59, signed the book and is the mother of former Red Arrow Flt Lt Mike Ling, who ejected last year after a mid-air collision during training over Crete.

She said her son and other former Red Arrows pilots at met up at RAF Scampton to support each other.

“He was shocked,” said Anne.

“I thought ‘There but for the Grace of God’.

“They are a very close-knit team – they have to be because there are so few of them. “They are wonderful, wonderful lads and I’m sure they will deal with it with the same professionalism they show in their displays.”

People signing the books felt a close connection to the Red Arrows and more than 250 came in two hours. The council went from one book to six to meet demand.

Samantha Barnes, 16, from Southampton, had her photograph taken with Jon Egging the day before the accident.

Alan Edwards, 36, from Redhill, came with a T-shirt emblazoned with “RIP Egg Man 4”. His son, three-year-old Lewis, had chosen Jon as his favourite pilot before the crash.

The plane came down in a field where they walk their dog.

The Belcher family from Wimborne were at Bournemouth Airport during the accident and counted eight planes back. Mum Sarah, 44, said: “We noticed they sat lined up on the runway for a long time.

“But you don’t really think there’s been an accident.”

Mum-of-two Gemma Barton, 28, cried as she spoke: “I am just so sorry for his wife.”

Mayor Cllr Chris Rochester said the feeling in the town is one of “shock and disbelief” and expected many more signatures in the week the book is open.

He said: “We are devastated and our thoughts are with his wife and family. He used his vast skill to avert a more serious accident.”

• The books of condolence remain open at the Town Hall from 8.30am-5.15pm until Friday. The books will be given to Jon Egging’s family and collected donations will be given to their chosen charity.