A BESPOKE beacon which stands almost six feet tall has been created by a Bellingham man in time to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The huge steel fire pit, bearing the markings ER II and 90 in gold, is the handiwork of mechanic turned metalworker Jameson Bell, and will be illuminated at Bywell, home of Northumberland County Show on Thursday night.

It will be one of hundreds of beacons lit across the country to mark Her Majesty’s actual birthday on April 21.

Jameson’s services were commissioned after the organisers of the show were approached by the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations to light up showgrounds across the country to mark the monarch’s milestone birthday.

Jameson (46), from Redesmouth, said: “It was an honour to be asked and I hope everyone likes the finished product.

“I’ve just started my own business called Flyers and Fires, making fire pits, barbecues and a few decorative things, and I’ve got a stand booked at the show.

“I jumped at the chance when I was asked a few weeks ago, even though it’s been a bit like jumping in at the deep end.”

The show’s organiser Judy Willis said: “Because there’s only six weeks or so until show day, we didn‘t really want a bonfire which would leave marks on the ground.

“Jameson’s design was the perfect solution and we’re really grateful he was happy to help out.”

Members of Tynedale Agricultural Society, which organises the county show, will gather alongside residents of the Bywell Estate to light the beacon tonight.

Other beacons are due to be lit by English Heritage at Housesteads Roman Fort and at St Mary’s Church in Ponteland by the town council.

The ceremony will get under way at Windsor Castle, where Prince Charles will invite the Queen to light the first beacon, setting off a chain taking in mountains, churches, historic buildings and beaches.