ONE of the highest beacons in Northumberland is set to be lit in Kielder Water and Forest Park to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The tribute, by Forestry England and Kielder Observatory, will be lit by athletics legend Steve Cram CBE.

Its location - on top of 2,000-foot Deadwater Fell - will mean it is visible for hundreds of square miles across the Borders.

It is one of 1,500 anchor beacons being lit across the UK and Commonwealth in a major initiative coordinated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 

Alex MacLennan, recreation and public affairs manager in Northumberland for Forestry England, said: “From the summit, it’s claimed that you can see both the Solway Firth and the North Sea on a clear day so we could hardly have found a better place to light the beacon. 

"It’s a real privilege for everyone at Kielder to be part of this special celebration and we are also thrilled to have Steve Cram doing the honours. It will be a fabulous sight and we’ve got fingers crossed for good weather." 

Catherine Johns, chief executive officer of Kielder Observatory, added: “We’re excited to join in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

"Kielder Observatory will be such an inspirational place to witness the beacon being lit and be part of this historic event. We’ll also be livestreaming the beacon lighting from one of our telescopes, subject to the weather being clear, for those who are unable to attend.”

Tickets for the event at 21.45 on June 2 are free and can be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/kielder-observatory-30683151034.

Priority will be given to people who live in the Kielder and the North Tyne areas but anyone can register in case spaces become available.