THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Anne Maw has officially unveiled a new landmark in Minehead – the town's jubilee clock tower.

It was Mrs Maw's first official engagement as she carried out the ceremony on Tuesday; fittingly the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation.

The 15-feet tall tower was commissioned by Minehead Conservation Society to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Victorian-style clock has four sides and stands on a brick plinth featuring a commemorate plaque and well as the names of sponsors.

Mrs Maw was joined by local children and civic leaders, including the new Mayor of Minehead Cllr Jean Parbrook.

The clock, which stands on the seafront opposite Minehead station, is insured and will be maintained by the town council.

Conservation society chairman Sally Bainbridge thanked everyone who had given their support to the project, including local firms CJ Lynch and Sons Ltd and Jewson's.

"This combined effort has ensured a successful outcome and one of which the town can, hopefully, be proud," she said.

The unveiling ceremony included music from the Seaside Syncopators.

and Minehead's jubilee clock tower

Photo: Alain Lockyer