MEMBERS of the public have been invited to a unique Queen's Platinum Jubilee party - in a nuclear bunker more than 100-feet underground.

The Royal Observer Corps underground monitoring post in Skelmorlie will be hosting the celebration on Thursday evening, with 50 lucky locals to be allowed in.

Guests will be able to join in the lighting of the site beacon with a piper performing, gazebos set up with food and drink and the opportunity to party in the former monitoring post itself.

It will also host the unveiling of a new wood carved insignia at the base, which has been specially commissioned for the occasion.

The bunker, situated near The Meigle in Skelmorlie, has received £1,000 from North Ayrshire Council's Platinum Jubilee fund to host the event.

The underground site was manned until 1991 and is the only one of its type currently open to the public.

Museum curator Frank Alexander said: "We will be lighting our site beacon at 9.45pm

"The site has expanded in recent years to include a replica monitoring post above ground and a small museum on the site, as well as a replica WW2 aircraft reporting base.

"We are grateful for the money to help cover the general expenses of running the event, and for the special commissioning of our three-foot-high Elizabethan insignia which has been specially commissioned.

"We will be flying the Union Jack and there will be bunting. Chef John Hogan will be bringing up chilli and macaroni cheese for 9.30pm and there will be soft drinks.

"We also will have a piper from Caledonian Pipe Band playing a special jubilee skirl and the Ayrshire Film Company will be recording the whole event."

Cars can park at the side of the road but people can only grab one of the limited spots by contacting Frank on 07513 504 115 or emailing info@skelmorliesecretbunker.co.uk

The monitoring post is also available to host visits during weekends throughout the summer months by contacting the above number.

It was created as part on a massive construction project to provide 1,563 underground shelters throughout the United Kingdom.

The Skelmorlie underground bunker was constructed in April 1965 and remained operational until being stood down in September 1991 when the Cold War ended.

In 2004 the monitoring post was restored to its original condition as a tribute to the thousands of men and women who had served in the Corps and in 2017 a portacabin and small car park were added to the site to enhance the visitor experience during guided tours.

For more details, visit skelmorliesecretbunker.co.uk