Esoteric Source

The first torch was lit at Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend, North Tyneside, at about 1800 GMT.

'Cause for celebration'

The final beacon will be ignited at Bowness-on-Solway, on Cumbria's west coast, about an hour later, with the entire "line of light" remaining illuminated for about half an hour.

Speaking as a torch was ignited nearby, the chief executive of Hadrian's Wall Heritage, Linda Tuttiett, said it was a great moment.

"It's a cause for celebration, this is our Hadrian's Wall, it belongs to everybody especially the people in the communities here across the north of England.

"And we're so thankful, we worked with all of the landowners across the wall who have been absolutely fantastic in helping us realise this special moment and we just want to share it with the world, really."

Organisers described the response for volunteers as "overwhelming", with people from as far afield as Canada and Australia signing up to take part.

The spectacle, to mark British Tourism Week, requires the co-operation of more than 120 local landowners.

It is hoped that people living alongside the route will heed calls for a voluntary blackout to enhance the scene, which is being filmed from a helicopter.

Source and Footage of event:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8565759.stm

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