A DISTINCTIVE landmark has celebrated its first birthday with a party to mark the occasion.

Pupils from Coatham Primary School joined the leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council to sing happy birthday at the Redcar Beacon.

Council leader George Dunning said: “The Beacon has welcomed just under 200,000 visitors in its first year and proven to be a real hit with the public.

“The overall feedback has been really positive since it opened and I am delighted to see visitors coming from as far afield as Australia and Abergavenny.”

The building, which opened its doors to the public on Thursday, March 28, boasts a viewing platform with 360 degree views and houses a number of businesses, including a café on the ground floor.

Entry is free and it is open from 9am to 5pm each day. From Good Friday (18 April 2014) the Beacon will be open from 9am to 7pm.