Red Arrows memorial lion auctioned for charity

Hundreds of floral tributes were laid beneath the lion statue

A sculpture of a lion which became a memorial for a Red Arrows pilot who died after a display at Bournemouth Air Festival sold for £4,000 at auction.

The lion which depicts the Red Arrows in flight above Bournemouth Pier is one of 55 placed in the seaside resort as part of an art event.

It was bought by the Sovereign Shopping Centre in Boscombe.

Proceeds from the sculpture will go to a charity chosen by Flt Lt Egging's widow, Dr Emma Egging.

Hundreds of floral tributes were placed at the lion's feet following his death.

The gold and blue It's Got To Be Bournemouth lion stood in front of the town hall. It was designed by Julian Sandy and painted by local artist Carol Childs.

The other 54 lions will also go under the hammer at Bournemouth Pavilion.

Money raised from the sale of the sculptures will go to the Born Free Foundation and Julia's House.

The pride of four-legged statues are all individually painted and include one by street artist Banksy.

An audience of 1,000 people is expected at the gala auction led by celebrity TV auctioneer James Lewis.