Town groups are working hard behind the scenes, preparing to celebrate the Queen's platinum jubilee in Cockermouth.

To mark this unprecedented anniversary, lots will be going on around the special four-day Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5.

A beacon will be lit by Cockermouth Scouts on Thursday evening.

Leader Steve Hardy said: "We have kindly been given permission by the farmer to build and light a beacon on top of Slate Fell.

"We will light it around 7.30pm so it is well lit by 9.45pm when other Beacons around the UK will be lit."

Cockermouth Town Council has already planted 1,212 trees at Harris Park Extension to commemorate the historic event.

Bunting will be displayed on Main Street and flowerbeds and shop windows will be dressed with red, white and blue.

The council will also be organising a picnic in Memorial Gardens on the Sunday.

The town's WI members are creating a memorial quilted wall hanging, which will go on display at a special event in the United Reformed Church.

Members will be staging a display of the WI throughout the Queen's reign on Saturday, June 4.

The quilted wall hanging depicts the Queen, her reign and things - including corgis - associated with her.

"In true WI fashion there will be a jam and cake stall. Teas, coffees, scones and cakes will be available," said member Sue Marshall.

There will also be an exhibition in the Kirkgate Centre, organised by the Heritage Group, from the Thursday to Sunday, with refreshments available.

Gloria Edwards said: "We're planning to cover the present Queen's previous jubilee commemorations and her coronation.

"We're going to be thinking too about how Cockermouth has changed since Queen Elizabeth came to the throne.

"Additionally, we're looking back to Queen Victoria's Jubilees of 1887 and 1897, when real benefits came to the town. In 1887 the town got three new bridges, plus trees planted on Main Street, Station Street and Market Place."

A free concert will be held at the Kirkgate Centre (tickets booked in advance) on Friday. Organised by Cockermouth Town Council it will feature songs from throughout the last 70 years, performed by Cockermouth musicians and singers of all ages.

The Scouts have appealed for wood donations.

"We would welcome clean wood (no nails or metal pieces) being dropped off at the Scout Hut on St Helen's Street in the weeks leading up to the even," said Steve.