RED ARROWS enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to bid for one of the famous aerobatic team's flying suits on Friday.

The distinctive red suit is likely to be one of the most sought-after items coming under the hammer at a charity auction and corporate lunch at the Bournemouth International Centre.

The suit was donated by this year's Synchro Leader, Sqn Ldr Myles Garland, also known as Red 6, and is expected to raise a large sum for the Daily Echo backed Julia's House Dorset Children's Hospice Service.

Ali Acaster, Julia's House joint head of care, modelled the suit which will be auctioned after the 40th Red Arrows display over Bournemouth.

She said: "Money raised will go towards the Julia's House Respite Care Service which will help families with children who have life limiting illnesses."

Terry Trevett from the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association, said: "Annually, about 60 applicants seek one of three places in the team.

"There is vigorous competition for the privilege of wearing the coveted red suit and flying with the world's greatest display team."

Other items to be auctioned after the spectacular aerial performance will include an original painting by Colin van Geffen; a painting by aviation artist Eddie Ash to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee fly-past, a one-off Poole Pottery dish and theatre tickets.

The Bournemouth Red Arrows' Association which has been hosting the event since 1995 has raised over £56,000 for local charities.

The visit has the financial backing of Dorset-based IT company cheaky.com.