Beacon lit at beauty spot

A huge bonfire lit up the night sky as Shropshire residents celebrated the 50th anniversary of the county's natural beauty area.The beacon was lit on the top of the Long Mynd yesterday by supporters of the Shropshire Hills Area of Natural Beauty (AONB).

Phil Holden, AONB manager, said more events were planned in coming months to celebrate the golden anniversary.

Mr Holden said a small group of people had gathered to commemorate the 50th year of the AONB's inception.

He said a planned beacon at Brown Clee had been dismantled.

It had been due to be lit earlier this month but had been taken down because of inclement weather.

"In the beginning, the AONB was not very active," he said. "It was a line on a map.

"But in recent years, the AONB has become increasingly active and has launched a series of projects to protect, enhance and conserve the Shropshire Hills.

"We tend to work in partnership with land owners and other agencies to protect the Shropshire Hills for future generations."

Mr Holden said the organisation was hoping to organise a series of events in coming months.

It was proud to have reached its 50th birthday and hoped to launch more projects in coming years so that everyone could enjoy the beauty of the Shropshire Hills.

The beacon was lit at 5.30pm at the Midland Gliding Club, which is near to the summit of the Long Mynd.