A beaming new beacon, created to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II, has undergone a successful first test lighting.

The recently forged beacon was formally handed over and test-fired for the first time in Durham, last night (Monday March27), ahead of its maiden official lighting ceremony, for the coronation of King Charles III, in May.

As part of a project to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the 19ft tall, half-a-tonne structure, was commissioned and funded by Durham City’s Freemen, last year.

It was designed and created by Brian Russell, one of the country’s leading artistic blacksmiths, with the assistance of son Ivan, at his 200-year-old Teesdale forge.

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The freemen’s gift is the centrepiece of a wider Durham County Council-supported project of improved footpaths and public access to the area around the beacon site, on Jubilee Hill, overlooking the city.

Last night’s formal handover and testing ceremony was attended by Durham’s Mayor, councillor David Freeman, the vice chair of the county council, cllr Joan Nicholson, and other invited guests.

It was led by County Durham’s Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, who performed the firing ceremony.

John Booth, Chairman of the Wardens of the freemen’s centuries-old eight craft guilds, said the project was devised to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, last year.

“We hope our gift will be seen as a fitting and lasting tribute to Her Majesty, a legacy of the freemen and the outstanding skill of a local man.

“We hope, too, that it will be accepted as a reflection of the quality and value of so many thousands of the craftsmen whose lives and work played such a key role in the shaping the city’s history and development, across more than 600 years.”

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Cllr Nicholson said: “I am delighted to attend the hand-over ceremony of the beacon to mark the freemen’s gift and to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“It is fitting the beacon was designed and created by a local blacksmith, showcasing the craftsmanship and talent we have across the county and the rich heritage of County Durham.

“We were pleased to support the installation of the beacon which I am sure will be enjoyed by many in the years to come.”

Future decisions on lighting the gas-fired beacon to mark national events falls to the City of Durham Parish Council.

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The parish already plans to light up the sky after the new King’s coronation, on Saturday May 6, and is said to be actively considering a repeat for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, in June next year.

Durham-born Mr Russell, now aged 70, who has been working at his forge in Little Newsham, near Staindrop, since 1974, is the only working blacksmith in the country to hold the London’s Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ gold medal.

In recognition of his widely acclaimed work, Mr Russell was recently sworn-in as a Gentleman Freeman of Durham.