REPRESENTATIVES from businesses and organisations dug deep in their pockets to raise funds for the Daily Echo-backed Julia's House Dorset Children's Hospice Service.

Everyone present at the Red Arrows charity auction and business lunch at Bournemouth International Centre on Friday had front row seats for the breathtaking 22-minute display over Bournemouth Pier by the world famous arrows.

The 40th anniversary visit of the RAF's Red Arrows was financially backed by Dorset-based IT company cheaky.com and organised by the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association.

More than £9,000 was raised from the auction and street collection and all proceeds will go directly to Julia's House.

A top bid of £1,000 was made for the Twickenham Corporate Rugby Package for two for England v France on September 6 and another £1,000 was paid for the Super Trouper painting by aviation artist Colin van Geffen.

A commemorative dish marking the 100th anniversary of powered flight and the 40th display at Bournemouth by Poole Pottery fetched £550 and the genuine suit donated by Red 6 and leader of the Synchro-pair, Sqn Ldr Myles Garland, raised £300.

Another popular lot was Flt Lt T Bear who recently travelled with Red Arrows' Squadron Leader Carl "Spike" Jepson - and he raised a modest £150 for the children's charity.

Michael Wise, chairman of Julia Perks Foundation, said on Friday: "It has been quite a day for Bournemouth with a fantastic display. The children and their families are going to benefit enormously."

Geoff Beck, joint managing director of cheaky.com said: "I am astonished at the level of support we have again. It is testament when people come together and do a little thing and get a big result.

"We have seen a pack-load of money raised for a very good local cause. Many thanks to everybody who has been involved, the support has been fantastic."