THE Millennium Flame arrived in Fleetwood yesterday (Nov 17) on its symbolic journey from Omagh to Manchester.

The celebrated flame will be used to light a chain of beacons across the country in one of the more traditional celebrations of the dawning of the Year 2000.

When it reaches Manchester it will be used to light a 12ft beacon which will, in turn, be used to light specially-designed miners' lamps to be distributed across the country.

The individual flames will be kept by charities and other organisations until New Year's Eve when they will be used to light thousands of beacons and bonfires across the country. Sponsored by British Gas, the flame was originally lit in Sunderland before travelling to Birmingham for a children's religious service.

It was from there that it was sent to the children of Omagh, and was transported to Fleetwood by P&O Ferries. Bruno Peek, founder and chairman of Beacon Millennium, said: "The lighting of beacons has been part of our cultural heritage for thousands of years and they have often been used to announce historic events.

"They will provide an opportunity for people throughout the country to get together and celebrate the new Millennium in an inexpensive way."

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