A network of Diamond Jubilee Beacons to be lit for The Queen

A network of Beacons will be lit by communities across the Midlands tonight to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Over 4,000 Beacons will be lit in total throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, along with the Commonwealth and UK Overseas Territories.

In the Midlands, pupils from Flash Primary School, will be lighting their Beacon with the rest of their local community.

As one of the smallest schools in the country, the seven pupils at Flash Primary were the first to receive their Beacon, at the end of March.

At the National Water Sports Centre, crowds can gather across the water, where the Beacon will be lit at 10:15, with a powerboat and hovercraft demonstration, live music and fireworks.

And at the largest Hindu Temple in Europe, the Shri Venkateswara in Dudley, there will be a whole day of celebrations leading up to the Beacon lighting in the evening.

Throughout history Beacons have been used to celebrate Royal Weddings, Jubilees and Coronations.

The Beacon chain is seen as a symbol of unity across towns, borders and countries.

To find your local Beacon event, head to The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons website.