THE Mayor of Bournemouth will tie a red ribbon around the memorial to a Red Arrow pilot on the fourth anniversary of his death tomorrow.

Cllr John Adams is set to pay his respects on Thursday in memory of Flt Lt Jon Egging, who died on August 20, 2011, when his Red Arrow aircraft crashed just moments after finishing a display at Bournemouth Air Festival.

After consulting with Jon's widow, Emma, and his mum, Dawn, Bournemouth Council ran a competition for schoolchildren to help design a lasting memorial to the pilot, which is based on East Overcliff.

Two students from the Jon Egging Trust’s Blue Skies Programme, Alainya Knipe from Glenmoor School and Kavan Latimer from Winton College, both aged 15, will join the Mayor for the special commemorative event, which starts at 10.45am.

Cllr John Adams said: "This is the first year that we have tied ribbons instead of laying a wreath. After consulting with Flt Lt Egging’s family, it was agreed that a ribbon tying is a positive reflection on Jon’s life, and presents an opportunity for others to participate and tie their own ribbons as a mark of respect, remembrance and thanks."

The Mayor hopes that he will be the first of many Bournemouth residents to tie a ribbon on the memorial during the four days of Bournemouth Air Festival, as a way to create a colourful tribute to the pilot.

Jon’s widow, Emma Egging, has thanked the public for their 'continued love and support'. She added: "Four years on, we are so grateful for the funds that have been raised for the Jon Egging Trust so that we can realise Jon’s dream of helping young people to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. We have gone from strength to strength."

Phill Jones of the Vulcan to the Sky Club asked that visitors to Bournemouth Air Festival wear red clothing on the anniversary of Flt Lt Jon Egging's death, 'as a mark of respect and appreciation.'

He added: "I'm sure that the Red Arrows team would love to see a sea of red on the beach during their display that day."

THE Bournemouth Air Festival brochure, which is a commemorative Vulcan edition, can be ordered is available to order online at bournemouthair.co.uk and from outlets around the area, including the Daily Echo's office at Richmond Hill.

The bumper 100-page special edition costs £8 and you can help raise £45,000 for charity with £2 from each copy sold will be donated to the 2015 Air Festival forces charities RNRMC, the RAF Benevolent Fund and The Soldiers' Charity.