A memorial is planned at the spot where a hero pilot tragically died.

The family of retired British Airways pilot Alan Weal, who died following a mid-air collision, have been granted permission to install a bench in Adur Recreation Ground in Shoreham.

Yesterday Warren Falconer, the partner of Mr Weal’s daughter Victoria, said it was a place where the family could sit and remember him.

Mr Weal is believed to have deliberately piloted his aircraft away from the road and families.

Mr Falconer explained how the bench was the idea of Mr Weal’s widow Penelope. He said: “Penelope wanted to do it.

“She wants somewhere to visit without going to a graveyard.

“Alan is going to be missed by a lot of people.”

He said the family did not yet know the cause of the crash which took place at 4.30pm on Monday, July 4, shortly after Mr Weal set off from Shoreham Airport.

He said: “Alan had 20,000 hours of flying experience and had flown 747s.

“There is no indication of what happened so far. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is carrying out an investigation and we will have to wait until they come back to us.

“The thought that Alan avoided a greater tragedy is a comfort to us all.”

Mr Falconer, 53, of Brighton, said Mr Weal was a go-getter and family man.

In a notice placed in The Argus, Mrs Weal also paid tribute to her husband.

She said: “For my darling Grisy, for all the wonderful, funny and happy times we spent together, for our two gorgeous daughters and most of all for all your love I thank you and will miss you every single day.”

Mr Weal, 63, of Arlington Avenue, Goring, Worthing, had two daughters, Victoria and Samantha, and three grandchildren, Victoria’s daughter, Abbie, and Samantha’s sons Luke and Niall.

His funeral will take place at 11am on Monday in the Findon Valley Free Church, Limetree Avenue, Worthing.

Family flowers only. If people would like to donate to the bench which will be placed in Adur Recreation Ground and will cost £1,000, they can do so by sending a cheque addressed to Penelope Weal via Anna Roberts, The Argus, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AR.