Preparations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Gloucestershire are being stepped up.

As part of the four days of national celebrations which are being planned from June 2 - 5, special events will be taking part all over the county, including the lighting of beacons, Big Lunches and even a Platinum Pudding Competition.

Edward Gillespie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, said: "In the United Kingdom, Lieutenancies are responsible for promoting the events of the Platinum Jubilee and it is very much hoped everyone in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire will find a way of taking part in this unique celebration.

"You will not need to travel very far to enjoy these occasions and initiatives. The large-scale events will be broadcast on television. Many of the other events will be organised by local councils and other organisations based in the heart our local communities."

On January 10, a nationwide baking competition was launched to seek out a brand new pudding dedicated to HM The Queen. The Big Jubilee Lunch and Fortnum & Mason are currently inviting applications from UK residents aged 8 and over to create the perfect 'Platinum Pudding' recipe.

Five finalists will be invited to prepare their pudding for an expert judging panel, including Dame Mary Berry, Monica Galetti and Buckingham Palace Head Chef Mark Flanagan. The winning recipe will be made available to the public and the pudding will be enjoyed at Big Jubilee Lunches during the Platinum Jubilee weekend, and hopefully, by generations to come.

The deadline for entries in the Platinum Pudding Competition closes on 7th February.

Mr Gillespie is also keen to encourage communities to organise the lighting of Beacons in their local areas (using the guidance notes provided by the Platinum Jubilee webpages).

The United Kingdom's long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons will be continued in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee. Beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man on the evening of Thursday 2 June 2022.

For the first time, beacons will also be lit in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth countries to celebrate HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The principal beacon will be lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Gillespie added: "We have been informed that 15 communities in our Lieutenancy have already signed up. Any support you can give to your own or adjacent parishes would be appreciated."

Each year since 2009 'The Big Lunch' event has encouraged communities to come together in a spirit of fun and friendship. On Sunday, June 5, 2022, The Big Lunch will bring the Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community. People from all over the UK are invited to share friendship, food and fun with neighbours as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

A Big Jubilee Lunch can be big or small - street party or picnic, tea and cake or a garden barbecue.

For more information on all the Jubilee events, visit the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy Platinum Jubilee webpages at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gloucestershire-lieutenancy/hm-the-queens-platinum-jubilee/ The link to the Lieutenancy webpage is: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gloucestershire-lieutenancy/