CREATIVE school pupils have risen to the challenge of designing a fitting memorial to Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging.

Young pupils at Kinson Primary School are among those eager to help create a tribute to the 33-year-old Red Arrow pilot, who crashed and died during last year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

More than 30 schools in Bournemouth have been invited to send in pupils’ designs, which will be judged by Jon’s widow Emma and his mother Dawn on February 17.

Artist and designer Tim Ward will then be asked to incorporate the selected design into his memorial, which will be placed on Bournemouth’s East Overcliff in time for this year’s Air Festival.

Andrew Emery, service development officer at the council, said: “Jon was a very special individual, a fantastic pilot and a very important family man.

“His family wanted to commemorate his memory and all the things he did. Jon’s widow and his mother were very keen that we engaged with schoolchildren across the borough so we invited children from more than 30 schools to come up with designs and concepts. Hopefully we will come up with a really good memorial.”

Eight children from the Kydzone nurture group at Kinson Primary are perfecting their entries.

Brandon, 10, said: “My picture is of a big Red Arrow going across a farm with lots of hills and a big house with a bridge.

“I’ve really liked doing this competition, it was different.”

James, also aged 10, said: “It would be so exciting if one of us actually won and our design was on the cliff for ever.”

And 10-year-old Penny said: “It’s been a good project. Art is my thing and it’s been really fun.”

Teacher Kim Vincent said: “The children love entering any competitions but the whole Red Arrow link has really inspired them. They also love the idea of doing something for Bournemouth.”

Fellow teacher Tania Howells said: “We’ve been really impressed with the ideas they’ve had. They’re very creative and we are hoping we have a winner among us.”