THOUSANDS of people across East Lancashire have celebrated the Diamond Jubilee with the lighting of beacons.

Parties were held at locations across the region as part of a network of flames spanning the whole country.

The official National Beacon was lit by the Queen at a special Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace to signal the lighting of the fires across the world.

One of the biggest celebrations was at Clitheroe Castle, where the town mayor Ian Sayers lit one of the official beacons.

Coun Sayers said: “It really was quite an honour.

“It all went off exceedingly well.”

It is believed around 1,000 visitors watched the lighting of the beacon after a day of games, knights in armour and choir performances.

Coun sayers said: “As we approached 10:15pm, the crowds were flooding up to the castle.

“It presented the town really well and it was a moment to be proud of.

“Everybody enjoyed themselves, the children in particular, and it is something for them to remember.”

Blacko Tower, in Pendle also marked the event with a Jubilee beacon and a firework display, which was accompanied by music from singer Jenny.

Shelagh Rita Derwent, councillor for the Blacko and Higherford ward said it had been a brilliant evening.

She said: “It was wonderful.

“We spent quite a lot of money on fireworks and it was very attractive.

“There were lots and lots of children and really elderly people too, it was superb.

“It was a wonderful community time and the atmosphere was great.”

Beacons were also lit at a street party in Blackburn’s Corporation Park, St James’ Parish Church in Feniscowles, Darwen Tower, the Great Harwood Agricultural Show, St James’ Church in Haslingden, the Singing Ringing Tree at Crown Point, Burnley, and in Laneshawbridge.

More than 4,000 beacons were lit in total across the UK and the Commonwealth.