A ROW has erupted over a town's beacon ceremony, held to celebrate the battle of Trafalgar.

Richmond Town Council issued a statement on Monday apologising that heavy rain meant the event last Friday had to be cancelled.

However, several residents have complained to The Northern Echo saying the event did still go ahead.

Janet Brown, from Scotton, took her three grandchildren to the ceremony on the old Marske road, Richmond.

She said: "The council tried to cancel it but the beacon was lit.

"They're trying to change history and that's not right."

In response, Richmond mayor Stuart Parsons said: "We had to call off the official ceremony for health and safety reasons.

"An individual did go up and set fire to the beacon without authorisation.

"I understand the sentiment but it was a rather rash thing to do, given that the field was waterlogged and they had no equipment for the extinguishing of the beacon."