Hundreds of Jubilee Beacons lit across Anglia region

Hundreds of beacons have been lit across the Anglia region to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

They were among more than 4,200 Diamond Jubilee beacons are being lit across the globe in celebration of the Queen's 60-year reign. The Queen lit the final beacon from the concert stage where Sir Elton John, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Paul McCartney, JLS, Ed Sheeran and a host of stars performed in her honour on Monday night.

Bruno Peek from Gorleston in Norfolk was the Pageantmaster of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee beacons. He said the number of communities who had registered to hold celebration bonfires was "truly amazing" and easily surpassed the 2,012 they hoped to attract.

The Queen walked out in front of the crowds and set the national beacon ablaze. She placed a diamond, made from crystal glass, into a special pod triggering the lighting of the last beacon nearby in The Mall.

The Scouts lit Britain's most easterly beacon at Lowestoft in Suffolk as hundreds turned out to watch in Sparrow's Nest Gardens.

Hundreds of people turned out to one of the highest spots in the Anglia region, Dunstable Downs, to witness the lighting of a Jubilee Beacon. Historically the site has been used for warning beacons since the time of the Spanish Armada in 1588 because it can be seen for miles around.

The Norwich City Hall beacon was lit by 7-year-old Harriet Samuel from Spixworth near Norwich. She was selected from the crowd by council officials to light the flame. Harriet was wearing a Union Flag as a cloak and a matching head-scarf.

Mr Peek, who also organised the Golden Jubilee beacons in 2002, said beacons were lit during the evening throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, the Commonwealth and other overseas territories.

He added: "We set out to have 2,012 beacons, which would have been the most ever for this type of occasion. To have reached double that figure reflects the national and worldwide respect and affection for the Queen and the desire to celebrate her 60-year reign."

The network of beacons that criss-crossed the UK were on historic landmarks, hill-top vantage points and famous mountains.