ORGANISERS of events or celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee across West Somerset are being urged to work together to promote the special anniversary.

The Minehead Events Group, which includes Minehead Town Council, West Somerset Council, Regal Theatre, Minehead Chamber of Trade, Minehead EYE, Butlins, Exmoor Tourist Association, West Somerset Railway and other local groups, is organising a five-day festival from June 1.

And it wants anyone in the district organising jubilee events to let them know their plans.

Festival co-ordinator Jill Homewood said: "We want the festival to be a great celebration for visitors and residents.

"If we can draw all the events together we can share the workload and maximise opportunities for everyone."

Ms Homewood said the group was preparing a host of "exciting events" which would be unveiled in February.

Jubilee celebration organisers in Watchet have already liaised with the group and the possibility of synchronising the town's planned beacon lighting on the Sunday evening is being explored.

Ms Homewood said the group now wanted to know if other settlements across the district planning to light beacons wanted to join in.

"If they can let us know of their plans, we can all work together to provide the best visitor experience, encouraging people to come back and spend time in the area again."

Ms Homewood can be contacted on 01643 705075 or by email at [email protected]">[email protected].