THOUSANDS of beacons across the UK will be lit in honour of the Queen's 70 years of service.

Maldon District Council will light its beacon in Promenade Park for the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The lighting of the beacon forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the jubilee weekend.

Council chairman Bob Boyce and vice-chairman Stephen Nunn will unveil a plaque placed at a tree planted as part of the Queen’s 'Green Canopy'.

A piper performance will begin at the ampitheatre in Promenade Park from 9.10pm.

The reading of the Proclamation will be followed by a lone piper playing the Diu Regnare, written by Pipe Major Stuart Liddel, a Glenfiddich champion piper.

Mr Boyce said: “We are proud to be part of this momentous celebration.

“It is only appropriate that this unique milestone in history is marked with the lighting of beacons.

“We are honoured to be part of this special event for Her Majesty the Queen’s 70th year as our monarch and head of the Commonwealth on her platinum jubilee.”

The beacon will be lit at a short ceremony at 9.45pm on Thursday, June 2, at Promenade Park, Maldon.