The Queen’s “unfaltering leadership” has been praised by High Wycombe’s mayor a day after an official beacon lighting ceremony marked her 90th birthday.

Cllr Mohammed Hanif paid homage to Her Majesty’s long reign and said the ceremony at Tom Burt’s Hill was a “great display of community spirit” for a monarch who has given six decades of service to the country.

He said: “She has given us unfaltering leadership through hard times, and we have had the opportunity to show our appreciation to her.

“I am very proud to have been part of that.”

He joined Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and around 130 residents, as well as Wycombe District Council chairman cllr Ian McEnnis and leader cllr Katrina Wood in marking the momentous occasion.

Everyone present sang the national anthem before cllr McEnnis paid tribute to Her Majesty for dedicating her life to public service.

He said in his speech: “The lighting ceremonies being held around the country are a show of solidarity and appreciation to Her Majesty for her lifetime of public service.

“On behalf of Wycombe District Council and the residents of the Wycombe district, I would like to thank the Queen for her dedication to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and to wish her a very happy and healthy 90th birthday.”

Sir Henry read out a letter from Prince Charles which expressed his delight that so many people around the country were united in their appreciation of the longest-reigning British monarch – something, he said, had “deeply touched Her Majesty”.