BEACONS across Dorset were lit up last night to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The monarch herself started the process by illuminating the Commonwealth of Nations Globe at Windsor Castle, which sent a river of light to Buckingham Palace, where the Duke of Cambridge watched as the Tree of Trees sculpture was bathed in light.

In Dorset, beacons were lit at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth, at Salisbury Field in Dorchester and at the Beacon Ground on Portland.

There were also lightings in Bridport, Lyme Regis, Blandford and Swanage.

Crowds flocked to see the beacon being lit at the Nothe Fort as the canon on the site was fired last night as live music was performed by vintage singing group The Decadettes and the Bovington Military Wives Choir.

Thousands lined the beach for a fireworks display shortly following the beacon lighting which wowed residents.

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Ann Weaving said: "It was absolutely wonderful and a very well organised night.

"Lots of people were there and everyone had a lovely time.

"It's been great to see everybody out and celebrating wearing red, white and blue. It's a beautiful atmosphere in the town.

"I'm enjoying every minute of it. I was so proud to be made mayor recently and even prouder of my town now after seeing everybody coming together for this occasion."

A spokesman for Weymouth Town Council said: "What a fantastic evening at The Nothe Fort with entertainment from The Decadettes and Bovington Military Wives Choir.

"We joined the country in celebration marking the Queen's 70th year reign.

"Finished off with a brilliant display of fireworks by Sirotechnics."

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of The Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons said: “Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, thousands of beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth. They will enable local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.

“For the first time, town criers, pipers, buglets and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way. It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting, which will highlight both the diversity and unity of the nation and the Commonwealth. The Queen has lit up our lives for 70 years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour.”

Dorset Council’s Chairman, Cllr Val Pothecary said: “We are proud and honoured to be part of this momentous celebration event for Her Majesty, The Queen’s 70th year as our Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth on her Platinum Jubilee. It is only appropriate that this unique milestone in history is marked with beacons and music.”