A PARISH council has renewed its fight to build a beacon at a site on the North York Moors where one has stood since Roman times.

For centuries. a beacon was lit at Danby in times of emergency as well as celebrations.

During the Second World War it was the site of a radar installation praised by fighter pilot Peter Townsend - later romantically linked with Princess Margaret - for helping him to track down the first German bomber shot down over England.

But the last beacon had to be dismantled because of weathering and the National Park authority rejected an initial replacement scheme on the grounds that the design would make it too prominent a feature on the moors.

The parish council has submitted a new design to build the beacon using corton steel, the same material used for the Angel of the North.

Chairman Herbert Tindall said: "The scheme has the backing of nearly everyone in the area and we now hope the park planners will give it their backing."

The beacon, which will cost £7,000, is designed as a double celebration - to mark both the new millennium and the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Six metres high, it will be set on a York stone plinth and will have stainless steel flame-shape in a basket that will turn blue when lit up.

The idea has also been given the support of Viscountess Downe, of Wykeham Estate, who owns the moor.

"This is the place for a beacon - that is where everyone wants it," said the Viscountess.

"I think it is a beautiful design, I am quite stunned by it."

The park's development committee will make a decision on the beacon scheme next month.