by Nisha Chopra

Kent will be a shining example this evening when hundreds of beacons are lit for the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Pageantmaster Bruno Peek, who has helped co-ordinate beacon lightings for royal events for more than 30 years, confirmed Kent has the second highest number of flames in the UK - with 196.

The county was leading the way during the applications process, but was pipped to the post by Devon with 203 beacons.

Mr Peek said: “I take my hat off to the county and to the Lord Lieutenant of Kent for encouraging the people of Kent to take part."

Scores of venues will light their fires from 10.10pm, with the Queen lighting the national beacon at Hyde Park at 10.30pm.

One of the few surviving Battle of Britain pilots, Wing Commander Bob Foster, will light the beacon at the Capel-le-Ferne site.

Mr Foster, who is now chairman of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, flew Hurricanes in the summer of 1940 and Spitfires.

He said: “I remember the Queen's coronation it was a wet and miserable day – watching it on black and white television and seeing her being crowned. Sixty years on it is remarkable to see what she’s done with the country.

“It is a great event to be apart of and I’m very proud to light the flame.”

Another beacon lighting takes place at Tonbridge Castle after a music event on the castle lawn.

Cllr Maria Heslop said: "This is one of the oldest castles in the country, it's one of William Duke of Normandy’s castles, so it's obviously a very important part of our heritage.

"It will burn for about half-an-hour and you'll be able to see it from all over Tonbridge.

“Coming off the back off the royal wedding last year, it shows how people do really treasure their monarchy.”

As part of celebrations for the Queen's 60-year reign, a chain of more than 4,000 beacons will be lit across Britain.

It is double the original target of 2,012 beacons to mark the year and a record figure - there were only 1,800 beacons for Her Majesty's golden jubilee.