Pupils chosen for aviation project inspired by Red Arrow

The pupils will take part in aviation-themed tasks mentored by test pilots

A Dorset college has been chosen to take part in an aviation-themed project inspired by a late Red Arrows pilot.

The 12 pupils from the Glenmoor and Winton Federated Trust have been picked for Blue Skies by the Jon Egging Trust.

Chosen for reasons of self-esteem and motivation, the 13-15-year-olds will be mentored by test pilots from the Empire Test Pilot School.

Jon Egging, 33, died when his Hawk T1 jet crashed following a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011.

The syllabus includes problem solving, team working and communication tasks at the Ministry of Defence's airfield at Boscombe Down.

'Realise potential'

Other tasks during the three-month project include navigation skills on Salisbury Plain and a teambuilding day with an injured armed forces veteran.

The group, who start their first session next month, will be given credits towards a BTEC in Work Skills after the scheme.

Mr Egging's widow Emma said: "We are providing new opportunities to help young people realise their potential.

"I am confident we will positively affect the lives of the young people involved."

Following his death, the Jon Egging Trust was set up by his widow, Dr Emma Egging, his mother Dawn, childhood friend James Godley and Red Arrows' pilot Ben Plank.