SCORES of Devizes people turned out yesterday evening to join in the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations as a beacon was lit at the White Horse.

Fantasy Radio played the National Anthem as the beacon was set alight by Devizes Mayor Roger Giraud-Saunders. Chris Callow, chairman of Roundway Parish Council, read a birthday message from Prince Charles.

Sarah Williams, Devizes Town Council's direct services manager, said: "There was a lovely, community atmosphere and around a hundred residents came up to the White Horse to watch.

"We chose to use a gas fuelled beacon as we thought it would be more reliable up on a windy hill and it also would not disturb the natural habitat on Roundway Hill. We were very pleased with it.

"After the lighting of the beacon, the gathered crowd stayed up on Roundway Hill until dusk to watch as other beacons were lit."

Other townsfolk watched the beacon being lit from vantage point at the bottom of the hill.

Deputy Mayor Jane Burton said: “It was a great opportunity to join members of the community on an historic day.”

Mr Giraud-Saunders thanked the members of the open spaces team of Mike Aiston and Roger Taylor for ensuring the beacon was safe and lit.