A unique piece of memorabilia from this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo is being auctioned this month in support of the airshow’s Fairford-based charity – the RAF Charitable Trust.

The large, one-off framed print features the official 2012 Air Tattoo artwork created by renowned aviation artist David Bent.

It has been signed by many of those who took part in the airshow including the Red Arrows, the US Air Force’s B-2 ‘Stealth’ crew, RAF display pilots, the Vulcan crew, the South Korean Black Eagles team and the Polish Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum display pilot.

Others signatories include the UAE’s Al Fursan team, the Japanese Air Self Defense Force KC-767 crew and the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle team. In total, more than 280 signatures feature as well a number of colourful squadron patches, pins and stickers representing air arms from around the world.

Giving his seal of approval to the venture, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, also signed the artwork during July’s airshow.

The framed print, measuring 1m x 1.2m, will be auctioned on eBay for a limited 10-day period this month with the highest bidder securing the ultimate souvenir from this year’s unforgettable airshow.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the piece of artwork would create a talking point where ever it was hung.

“There is so much to look at and enjoy – it really is striking. Not only will the winning bidder own a highly collectable piece of aviation art with an historical provenance but the money they bid will help support the excellent work of our parent charity.”

Artist David Bent said: “As an artist inspired by aviation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to create the image for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“The character Ace Mandala, featured on the RIAT poster, is a fictional fast jet pilot that I based on the boss of the Red Arrows during my first year as artist in residence with the team. The original painting featuring Ace is currently on display in Fresh Air, my solo retrospective at the RAF Museum, London – so he gets around!

“By signing and adding their badges to this poster, outstanding aircrews from all around the world have contributed to creating a totally unique item.”

To view photos of the framed artwork and to place a bid, visit www.airtattoo.com for more information. The closing date for bids is October 12.

As space shuttle Atlantis plans to return to Earth, a charity is offering people an “out of this world” opportunity to secure a piece of art history and help support its cause.

The fly2help organisation, based at Cotswold Airport, which provides support for families and individuals facing a wide range of trauma and tragedy, commissioned renowned aviation artist Ronald Wong to produce a painting of Atlantis’ sister shuttle Endeavour in orbit.

The striking piece, which shows Endeavour breaking away from the International Space Station, raised £2,600 for fly2help when it was auctioned at a Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) dinner in London, earlier this year.

However, 500 limited edition prints of the painting – each signed by Mr Wong – have also been produced and are available to order for £70 each direct from fly2help, or £85 via eBay.

Charity Manager Sue Bennett said: “We’re very grateful to Ronald for producing such a fantastic piece that has already raised some great funds for the charity.

“It certainly generated a lot of interest at the Royal Aeronautical Society dinner and we’re sure that collectors will want to snap up one of the limited edition prints too.”

Former space shuttle commander Colonel Rick Seafoss and fly2help Chief Executive Chris Hadlow (who was at the Atlantis launch) accepted the original painting at the RAeS dinner.

The artwork was bought by a collector, who tabled their bid for it the same night.

A framed print of the painting also fetched £2,000 when it was auctioned off at the Cotswold Airshow in June.

Now, with Atlantis scheduled to return to earth on July 21, aviation fans are being invited to secure their own piece of history for a fraction of the price.

Funds will go towards the charity which uses the medium of flight to provide ‘Air Smiles’ experiences. The events aim to use the liberation and freedom of flight to develop imagination and stretch personal boundaries, as well as leaving those taking part with amazing memories.

The charity also provides educational support for young people looking to embark on a career in the aviation industry.

You can find out more about the charity at www.fly2help.org, or call 01285 770821.