A MEMORIAL to Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging began to take shape yesterday.

Competition winners who helped design the sculpture for Bournemouth’s East Overcliff looked on in awe as hefty machinery cut out three jets and contrails from marine grade stainless steel.

Jon’s widow Doctor Emma Egging and artist Tim Ward joined the Kinson Primary School pupils for the big moment at a warehouse on Uddens Trading Park, in Ferndown.

Dr Egging said: “It has been a really exciting process from when the young people first started their designs.

“Today is the icing on the cake, seeing them become a reality.”

The memorial, commissioned by Bournemouth Borough Council, will be unveiled at the end of August, in time for the air festival.

Dr Egging added: “It is a very poignant piece and having it unveiled in Bournemouth, seeing it up on the cliff will very fitting but sad.

“It will be a very poignant occasion but it’s going to look beautiful with the blue skies behind it.

“I am looking forward to that.”

Penny Vallier, 10, drew the winning design with a friend.

She said: “Emma gave us a description for the competition that said Jon liked mountains and planes.

“We had room on the page for three planes. I’m really excited seeing it being built, I must say it is quite impressive.”

Sparks flew as the shapes were cut from two 1.5 metre by three metre sheets of 8mm thick steel.

They will now be welded and polished in the Midlands.

Antony Chiari, general manager at Laser Profiles Limited, said: “We were quite honoured to be asked to be part of this project in the first place.

“To have the kids here so they can see what’s going on and really be a part of it is great.

“Normally we just see parts go out the door, so it is nice to be involved from start to finish.”