AROUND 150,000 people are expected to line Bournemouth's seafront today (Friday) at noon to see this year's thrilling aerobatic display by the Red Arrows.

And Terry Trevett, of organisers the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association, is hoping spectators will dig deep in their pockets to help this year's chosen charity - Julia's House, the Dorset children's hospice service.

"We hope there will be in excess of 100,000 people there to watch the display. We'd like to invite all those who come to see the free display to put a donation in one of the collection buckets. It would be magnificent if everybody could give a pound," he said.

The collectors will be out and about with their buckets between 10.30am and 1pm.

The Red Arrows, whose visit this year is backed by Dorset IT firm cheaky.com are due to fly in at noon.

Those with some of the best view are likely to be guests at the sell-out charity luncheon in the BIC, but other good spots are the beach, promenade, and cliff tops. People are advised to get to their viewpoint early

Mr Trevett said: "We're still looking for a corporate backer for 2004 and would love to hear from a local company that would like to become involved."

A limited edition Red Arrows poster will be available with copies of the Daily Echo on Friday (August 15) for 50p at outlets around the Pier Approach.

Red Arrows picture special in tomorrow's DailyEcho.