A developer has pledged £12,500 to the Herne Bay air show after reading an impassioned plea for donations in KentOnline’s sister title, the Herne Bay Gazette.

Property mogul Mark Quinn, owner of Quinn Estates, made the donation after organisers said they were £25,000 short of their £100,000 target to fund the event.

The Gazette last week called on business owners in the Bay to put their hands in their pockets and donate to the summer spectacle.

Mr Quinn said: “The people of Herne Bay have supported Quinn Estates in the town and it’s now time for us to support the local people.

“This is one of Herne Bay’s biggest events and the organisers do a fantastic job of securing prestigious aircraft for a show that is free to visitors. Local business support is crucial and we are delighted to help.

“Protecting a premier event for one of Kent’s best coastal towns is essential for the local economy.”

The free show, which attracted 80,000 people last year, will be headlined by the Red Arrows on Saturday, August 19.

The Great War Display Team has been booked for the event, featuring 10 British and German First World War replica aircraft.

Senior organiser Gerald McCarthy said: “We would like to thank Mark Quinn for stepping in and helping ensure Herne Bay is in a position to stage Kent’s biggest one-day event this summer.

“Quinn Estates has supported the town financially in many ways over the past few years, and we’re all very grateful to Mark for allowing Herne Bay to demonstrate once again its capability to host one of the UK’s best offshore air shows.”

To donate to the South East Air Show Herne Bay, visit www.southeastairshow.co.uk or email info@hernebayairshow.co.uk