THREE good causes will benefit from thousands of pounds donated through this summer’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

Organisers are backing three armed forces charities.

The first is the Jon Egging Trust, set up in memory of the Red Arrows pilot who was killed when his Hawk jet crashed near Throop after a display at last year’s event.

Also being supported are Hounds for Heroes and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity.

In all, it is hoped that they will share more than £30,000.

After raising more than £21,000 last year, the wristband scheme is returning.

When festival-goers pick up a copy of the souvenir air festival brochure, they will also receive a red, white and blue wristband, with £1 from each brochure sale going to the charities.

Allen Parton, founder and vice-chairman of Hounds for Heroes, said: “The level of support we had last year from the Bournemouth Air Festival was fantastic.

“The monies raised helped to train a new assistance dog, which we named Red 4 as a tribute to Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging.

“We’re really pleased to have been chosen as a beneficiary again this year and would like to thank everyone who is supporting the charities through the air festival.”

The Jon Egging Trust, Hounds for Heroes and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity will also receive extra donations from businesses that join the Air Festival Patrons’ scheme, with £10 from their £250 contribution being shared between the three charities.

The wristbands will be packaged with the Air Festival’s official souvenir brochure, available from August.

THE Red Arrows will be appearing at this year’s Air Festival on three days as a seven formation. The famous aerobatic team will be taking to the skies on Thursday, August 30 at 3pm, Friday August 31 at 2pm and Saturday, September 1 at 12.30pm. Jon Weaver, director of Bournemouth Air Festival said: “It’s poignant we open the air festival with a fantastic display by the Red Arrows, kicking off the much anticipated aerial extravaganza.” The Jon Egging Trust is one of the three Air Festival charities alongside Hounds for Heroes and the Royal Marines Royal Navy Charity.

Visit our special Air Festival mini-site bournemouthecho.co.uk/bournemouth_air_festival/