A beacon could soon be erected at a Kent landmark as a permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.

The four-metre-high structure is earmarked to go above Wye Crown near Ashford – a huge chalk symbol carved into the North Downs that can be seen for miles around.

The idea was first suggested by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) leader Cllr Noel Ovenden, but is being brought forward by the Attwood family who own the land.

For the late Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in 2022, thousands of beacons across the UK and the Commonwealth were lit to mark the occasion.

Documents submitted to ABC state the Wye Crown piece will become part of this network and stand in memorial to Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

If approved, it is hoped it will be ready to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.

Cllr Ovenden, who is also chairman of Wye with Hinxhill Parish Council, said: “Because the D-Day anniversary is coming and there is an initiative to light beacons, the land owners have pushed forward with putting the application through.

“It is something I have been keen on for a long time because we have such a brilliant landmark, yet we are not part of the national chain of beacons and I'm hoping once the beacon is up there, it could be added.

“It will be seen from all over Ashford so it will be great for everyone, not just people in Wye.

“It will be under the control of the landowners but it has my full support.

“I have put some of my ABC grant funding last year towards the project.”

The structure will be 4.2m tall and topped with a metal basket with a small swing sign to the side.

It is due to be placed alongside a footpath which runs above the landmark.

Landowner Sarah Attwood confirmed the beacon “will be lit on special occasions”.

"Wye Crown is such a nice asset for the community and we would like to add to it so there is more to enjoy,” she said.

"It will be made by local craftsmen and we will also be collaborating with locals towards the design of the shield."

If approved, the beacon will join a bench, two commemorative plaques and the Compass Rose, which is a heavy piece of Cumbrian slate, at the top of Wye Crown.

In 2020, the landmark could be seen for miles at night as it was lit up to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The piece was originally cut into the chalk hillside in 1902 by students of Wye College to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII.

During the last century, it has been a focal point for the celebration during royal occasions.

It sits in a Site of Special Scientific Interest and walkers enjoy reaching the crown in order to gain views across the Ashford borough and beyond.

Its story started when Lord Abergavenny, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, called for the county to respond with lively patriotic support after it was announced the coronation of the new monarch would be on June 26, 1902.

It was suggested that on Coronation Day a ring of bonfires should line the crest of the North Downs.

In Wye, a parish meeting to decide how to mark the occasion was held in the Board School.

Apart from free tea for children and sports, the college principal suggested a more ambitious and permanent reminder of the occasion.

It involved digging out a large design of a crown above a chalk pit to serve as a landmark for miles around.

During the last 100 years, the crown has been a focal point for the celebration of other royal occasions.

At about 180ft tall, it underwent a major restoration between 1991 and 1995 and is still white-washed when it gets grubby, ensuring the bright white landmark continues to stand out.

A decision on the beacon application will be made by planning officers at ABC.