SWINDON artist David Bent is feeling on top of the world after a stunning poster he created to advertise this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford was launched at Everest base camp.

One of the world’s most acclaimed aviation artists, David, 63, who works from his Old Town home studio, designs the official posters for the air tattoo every year.

However, 2014 is particularly special as the event’s regular show stoppers, the RAF’s famed Red Arrows aerobatic display team, are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

With David’s new poster tucked away in her rucksack, the tattoo’s deputy director marketing , Helen Webb, made it to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. There at 5,367 metres above sea level, with snowy peak of Everest looming overhead, she proudly revealed David’s new painting which, as ever, features the Arrows in action Helen said: “Organising the air tattoo is a bit like scaling a large mountain. “It’s hard work, exhilarating and has its occasional setbacks.

“But in the end, once you reach the top, there’s a huge sense of achievement.”

She visited Everest as part of an expedition mentoring Air Cadet Junior Leaders selected to receive a bursary from the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation which supports young people in a wide range of activities.

Helen went on: “In a year which sees the air tattoo stage official celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season, who better to design the airshow artwork than David. “His unique and eye-catching images of the team enable us to reflect the undoubted stars of next summer’s airshow across a wide range of media." David has been producing breathtaking images of the Red Arrows since the air display team invited him to become their Artist in Residence in 2007 after being impressed by his work. Helen said: “David continues to have a great relationship with the team and has created a number of artworks based on their iconic aerobatic displays.” Having climbed in the Himalayas himself, David sent his congratulations to Helen and the Air Cadets.

He said: “I’m delighted that the artwork was launched in such a brilliant location. It’s always a great privilege to collaborate with both the Red Arrows and the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is the world’s greatest airshow.”

Andrew Morton, PR Manager for The Red Arrows, based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire said: “With wonderful use of colour, expert detail and creativity, David Bent's work reflects the precision and engineering excellence of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.”

The Red Arrows began life at RAF Fairford in March 1965, performing their first display at nearby Little Rissington later that year. Since then, they have performed more than 4,500 displays in 54 different countries.

To join the celebrations, book your Super Earlybird tickets now (available until January 31, 2014) at airtattoo.com. Under 16s go free.