Children across Herne Bay have been getting ready for the arrival of the world famous Red Arrows by getting in formation to make a plane of their own.

Five schools held a Red Clothes Day to help raise money to bring the RAF display teams roaring over the town at the Amy Johnson Memorial Air Show in August.

The event has been organised by the Bay Promo Team, and will also see First World War fighters, a Typhoon Eurofighter, a Vulcan bomber and a De Havilland Vampire flying overhead.

Bay Promo Team organiser David Ware, who works as an IT technician at Herne Bay Junior School, says the schools have raised more than £2,000 towards the big day.

Last week the team enlisted the help of local photographer Stuart Blackledge for the special aerial picture, taken with a drone flying over the school field, and also over the Infants’ school playground.

Mr Ware said: “We made the human Red Arrow with 500 children. The event has really brought the community together.

“It seems in the news all we are getting is doom and gloom, especially with the recent reports of vandalism. But this is showing children that they can do good things for the town.”

The team has also been visiting the schools for assemblies along with Jane Priston, who set up the Amy Johnson Herne Bay Project to raise awareness of the inspirational pilot who crashed off the town’s shores in 1941.

Ms Priston said: “Amy was an inspiration in the 1930s and during the Second World War. She died in such tragic circumstances. It felt like a very personal blow to the nation.

“It is the 85th anniversary of her solo flight to Australia this year. When she took off she was in a second hand aircraft with little flying experience.

“No one thought she would make it and there was no press to see her take off. But it was a very dramatic journey, filled with self-belief and determination. When she landed in Darwin she flew into history.

“It’s important that young people understand what a pioneer she was. She didn’t believe there was any reason not to do what she did.

“She is an incredible role model.”

The air show will take place on Sunday, August 15. To find out more visit www.baypromoteam.co.uk/hernebayairshow.