IT once guided ships along the Tyne and now a historic cathedral lantern is once again shining out across Newcastle.

A crowd of people gathered at the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas last night to see the recreation of a piece of North East history when the tower was illuminated for the first time in decades.

In the past, the light not only marked out the church to travellers but was also used as a lighthouse beacon to aid sailors navigating their way along the nearby River Tyne.

Now it is hoped the new addition to the night-time cityscape will once again draw people to the cathedral.

Outside in the square, people gathered for the switch-on enjoying folk music and mulled wine.

The Cathedral Tower, which is viewed by many as the most elegant crown or Scottish spire in the country, was built in the 15th Century.

The cost of lighting the tower, which will be £20,000, is being met by the Fenwick Family Trust and the switch was flicked by John Fenwick.

He said: “I think it is a great sight for us all, particularly for visitors to the city.

“In the past it was a beacon to ships on the Tyne; now as travellers approach the city by rail they will see the cathedral.”

Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston, said: “As far as we can gather, the lantern was still in use as a beacon until the late 18th Century but once the town was lit by gas, it fell out of use.

“The lantern was lit by electricity in the 60s and possibly early 70s but then it was switched off.

“I think it makes a stunning addition to the city’s night-time landscape.”

Retired church warden Scott Smith, a trustee of the cathedral development trust, said: “I am from Seahouses, and my personal hope is that by lighting the tower, it will draw people from outside the city in the countryside back to the cathedral. I hope it will allow them to connect with it so it is not seen as a monument, but as their mother church.”

Choirboy Akin Akingbade, 12, of Jesmond, who sang at the special service, said: “I think it is good as more people will be able to recognise the cathedral at night and see it is not just another church.” A three-year project is under way to help open up the history of the building called Illuminating Stories.

Using the latest new media technologies, the story behind the cathedral’s monuments will be brought to life.