TORPOINT is to have a torchlight procession on New Year's Eve before the lighting of the town's Millennium beacon.

The "illuminated parade" is being organised by members of Torpoint Development Trust which is involved in the regeneration of the town.

Roy Roseveare, who was picked as the town's citizen of the year for his role in organising the successful Millennium celebrations at the turn of the century, and town councillor Steve Martin, the son of Town Mayor Stan Martin, are co-ordinating the events on Sunday, December 31.

Torpoint has a tradition of people wearing fancy dress on New Year's Eve and this year will be no exception.

Those taking part in the procession, especially the children, are being invited to wear fancy dress. The organisers are also asking that the participants in the parade have some form of illumination, be it torches, lanterns or headgear with flashing lights.

There will be a prize for the child with the best homemade lantern.

The parade will begin at 7.30pm outside the infants school in Albion Road. It will proceed through the town centre to the waterfront near the ferry lanes.

The Millennium beacon, which was won for the town in a national newspaper competition last year, will be lit at 8pm as part of the Beacon Millennium Festival.

Similar beacons will be lit across the country, with the Queen lighting a beacon in London.

The lighting of the Torpoint beacon, which is now maintained by the town council, is being sponsored by Calor Gas at Gallows Park, Millbrook.

The event will raise money for the mayor's charity, the Friends of Derriford Hospital Kidney Unit.

The organisers would welcome suggestions for further events on the night and Roy can be contacted on 01752 813150.