HUNDREDS of villagers flocked to see the lighting of a beacon to commemorate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.

Residents from across Odiham joined together to watch the beacon, built within the field behind Buryfields Infant School, light up the cool night to begin the celebrations for the Queen.

The two-story high beacon was lit by RAF Odiham’s station commander group captain Philip J Robinson who joined the chairman of Odiham Parish Council, Cllr Jon Hale, in opening the event.

Delivering a speech about Odiham’s connection with the Queen, captain Robinson spoke briefly about the importance of RAF Odiham within the community.

He spoke of how in 1953, as part of her nationwide Coronation ceremonies, the Queen and Prince Philip reviewed the Royal Air Force at Odiham and how her £8million luxury helicopter is stationed in the village. 

Odiham Fire Station was also on hand in case of an emergency. 

Cllr Hale said: “It went very well – we had an incredibly good turnout from a wide variety of people who saw the beacon get lit.

“These events really engage our community and how RAF Odiham engage with them is so important to the identity of our village.

“They are a real part of Odiham and make our village feel incredibly unique and we are incredibly proud of how the lighting went.”