HUGE crowds united outside St Mary’s the Virgin Church for a beacon lighting marking the Queens 90th birthday.

Girl guides, youth groups and members of the community gathered in Hadley Common, Barnet, to join nationwide celebrations on April 21.

The Rector of the parish, the Rev Dr Thomas Renz thanked everyone for attending before leading the crowd in prayer.

Rev Renz said: “We have people from all over the world celebrating with us tonight, I think the furthest are from Israel.

“On her majesty’s 21st birthday, she declared that she would devote her life to our service. Her life has been long and her devotion has bene incredible.”

Neighbours sang the national anthem ‘God save the Queen’ as the light was passed to the church roof, and the beacon was lit.

 The Worshipful, the Mayor, Councillor Mark Shooter, also attended the celebration and said: “I am honoured to be here.

“How appropriate it is that we are lighting a beacon for her Majesty, because she has been a beacon all over the world. We are lighting a flame here as are communities, farms, youth groups, village green and even mountain tops are doing so all over the world.”

The lighting ceremony ended with a chorus of Happy Birthday to Her Majesty.