A SPECIAL celebration on Saturday will mark the re-lighting of historic Perch Rock lighthouse.

The New Brighton landmark has been lit up for the first time in 42 years after the council, businesses and community groups joined forces to bring it back to life.

A galaxy of event will take place this Saturday, April 23, when the deputy mayor and mayoress will perform the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the revamped lighthouse.

New Brighton Coastal Community Team secured £6,000 for their “Brighten New Brighton” project, which has restored the lamps at the top of the lighthouse to their original form.

The lights are powered through a solar panel installation.

The project is one of 77 successful bids to the Government’s £3m Coastal Revival Fund.

Perch Rock lighthouse had been dark since it was decommissioned back in 1973 but the Grade-II structure remains a much-loved landmark in New Brighton.

The lights were switched back on last weekend, and can now be seen as darkness falls in the resort.

Caroline Laing, project co-ordinator, said: “There has always been a lot of fascination with the lighthouse.

“It is steeped in history so the re-lighting has generated a lot of excitement in the local community.

“It will benefit so many people. The down lights mean that ships coming into the Mersey will see them, like a welcome home.”