PEOPLE across Ryedale are celebrating the 90th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen this week.

Beacon-lighting, parties and bell ringing are among the events being organised to mark the special occasion.

A team of volunteers will be ringing the bell at St John the Evangelist church, Welburn, 90 times, starting at 12noon on Thursday, April 21, with the Reverend Taff Morgan ringing the first ten chimes.

In Malton, the Talbot Hotel is hosting a beacon lighting ceremony beginning at 7pm with refreshments in the grounds before guest of honour Charlotte Leeming, the BBC Look North presenter, lights the beacon at 7.30pm.

The event is being jointly hosted by The Talbot Hotel and its charity partner, The Encephalitis Society, with support from Malton and Norton Rotary Club.

David MacDonald, general manager of The Talbot Hotel, said: “What better way for people in and around Malton to celebrate the 90th birthday of The Queen than by joining other communities across the UK for what I am sure will be a special and historic occasion - we hope to see you there.”

The event is free but anyone who wishes to attend is asked to RSVP by calling (01653) 692585 or emailing admin@encephalitis.info

Residents in Leavening have heightened and repositioned the village beacon in the picnic area in preparation for the birthday celebrations,

Denys Townsend said: "Our thanks go to the working party of villagers who undertook the work of moving the beacon and also to Seb Betts and MKM Builders Merchants for their donations of time and materials.

"There is a long and unbroken tradition of celebrating special Royal birthdays and Leavening village is proud to be associated with this tradition."

The beacon will be lit at 8.30pm and villagers will gather around the beacon and drink a toast to Her Majesty.

Huttons Ambo will celebrate St George's Day and the Queens 90th Birthday on Saturday, April 23, 2pm to 4pm on the village green

Malton White Star Brass Band will entertain with a selection of English classics and there will be creams teas and refreshments.

Liz Ellis, one of the organisers, said: "We are raising funds for our Village Hall Refurbishment and invite everyone to come and join us for a real English tea party."