BEACONS were lit across the Halstead district to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

At 8pm, firefighters from Halstead lit the beacon on top of the training tower at the fire station in Parsonage Street.

People, including councillors, Guides, Brownies and Scouts, turned out to watch the spectacle.

Similar events occurred in Toppesfield, White Colne and other villages.

About 300 people attended an afternoon tea party held in Gosfield to celebrate the Queen reaching the impressive milestone.

The tea party was held on Gosfield Playing Field where afternoon tea and homemade cakes were served by local community groups.

A competition for young children to make and wear the Royal Crown was judged by parish council chairman Max Ford.

Parish councillor and Gosfield mum Mandy Adams organised the event and paid thanks to all those that supported in making the event a memorable occasion.

She said: "I couldn't have done it without the support and help of so many people and I personally thank them all.

"The way in which the event has been supported is typical of Gosfield.

"We are a very community focused village and events like this just pull people together.

"We all enjoyed a piece of the homemade cake and a nice cup of tea."

During the event a beacon was lit, music played and songs sang to wish the Queen a very happy birthday.

**With thanks to Barry Jackson, Tony Sale of Tony Sale Photography and Topppesfield Parish Council for the photos