INVERCLYDE linked up with communities right across the UK last night in a symbolic ceremony to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

A beacon was lit on Lyle Hill, with the local landmark one of thousands of places to stage such a tribute on the occasion of Her Majesty marking 60 years on the throne.

A total of 4,000 communities marked the milestone, with the beacon on Lyle Hill lit at 10.15pm.

Hundreds of miles away, and just a few minutes later, at 10.30pm, the Queen herself lit the National Beacon in central London.

A crowd of people young and old gathered to watch the local ceremony.

Inverclyde's civic leader, Provost Robert Moran, led the proceedings and he was joined by senior council officials and other dignitaries, alongside members of the public who were keen to mark the moment.

The provost said it was a 'great privilege' to be involved in such a moment of historical significance during a short speech where he spoke of Inverclyde's development during the Queen's reign, and its future.

After the beacon was lit, young people from local organisations, including the Scouts, led the crowd in three hearty cheers for the Queen.

Provost Moran said: "It is fantastic to be part of such a momentous occasion, joining communities across the UK and beyond to light a Beacon to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"The lighting of the Beacon not only symbolises a historic moment in the Queen's reign, but also the unity of Inverclyde." The Lyle Hill Beacon, which is set against the picturesque panorama across the Clyde estuary, was constructed in 1977 to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee.