Diamond Jubilee: Nottinghamshire lights water beacon

More than 80 beacons were lit across Nottinghamshire on Monday night to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont hosted what was believed to be the only beacon being lit on water.

About 4,000 people enjoyed a 12-minute firework display and a 1950s promenade with stalls and entertainment.

The beacon was set alight at 22:15 BST, one of among 4,000 lit in sequence around the world.

Carol Pepper, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, used a remote control plunger to start the fire and said it was "fantastic" to see so many people of all ages celebrating.

Visitor James Wheatley, 29, from Wollaton, said: "It has been a great evening and a fantastic atmosphere. Our children really enjoyed it - especially the beacon and fireworks."

The fires were lit to mark the Queen is the second monarch in British history to celebrate a 60-year reign.

Originally used for communication or as warnings, beacon chains have come to be used for celebrations.

They were lit for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and Queen Elizabeth II's Silver and Golden Jubilees in 1977 and 2002.

The Queen ended the ceremony by lighting the National Beacon in London after a three-hour concert.