Members of the Whitstable community are gathering at the beacon on Tankerton Slopes this evening - despite its not being lit over safety concerns.

At 7pm, 1,000 beacons across the country will be lit as part of the national Battle's Over tribute, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.

But on Friday, Canterbury City Council announced beacons in Tankerton and Herne Bay will not be lit - after embers nearly landed on the crowd and almost set a nearby house alight when the Tankerton beacon was last lit.

The news was met with dismay from many residents, who have now rallied together to organise an alternative gathering at the Tankerton beacon.

The fixture has been decorated with large poppies, by staff at The Bears Trading Company in Tankerton.

At 7pm, residents are invited to gather with torches and lanterns, to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the war, as a bugler plays the Last Post.

Speaking on Friday, Council spokesman Rob Davies said: "These beacons are different to the one at Tannery Field because they cannot be gas fired. Instead they would have to be lit using the more traditional method of wood and fuel.

"The last time we attempted this at Tankerton, there was an unexpected change of wind direction during the event. Embers very nearly landed on the crowd and almost set fire to a nearby house, requiring the fire brigade to monitor the situation.

"Reluctantly, therefore, we have decided not to light these beacons on safety grounds, and we hope residents will understand. We would also strongly urge anyone who is thinking of lighting them to not do so.

"The Canterbury event will be one for the whole district to take part in and it would be great to see people from the coastal towns there if possible.

"All are welcome to attend and pay their respects to those who lost their life in the First World War and subsequent conflicts."