Volunteers needed to create line of light for Hadrian's Wall spectacular

They will be placed at 250m intervals along the route of the 84 mile-long Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail on March 13.

The first of the lights will be placed at Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend, North Tyneside, with each of the other lights then lit in sequence by the illuminators, with the line of light reaching Bowness-on-Solway on the Cumbrian coast about an hour later.

Linda Tuttiett, chief executive of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, said: "We want to give people from all over the country, as well as local people, the chance to get involved. It really will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and something we think people will remember for a very long time."

One of the main aims of the event will be to highlight the vast scale of the world heritage site and its landscape. It is hoped that extensive TV coverage will spread the spectacle abroad.

A separate camera crew will film the lights as they progress from Wallsend to the west coast with pictures being beamed to giants screens in Carlisle and at two events to be held in the North East.

It is estimated that lighting the Wall will generate £1m in extra visitor spending as people roll up for the weekend to witness the sight.

The illuminators will be placed at sites along the route that are appropriate to their level of physical ability and experience, so anyone can get involved. A number of points of light in Newcastle and Carlisle will be easily accessible. Some other locations along the crags in the central section of the wall are likely to be manned by people with suitable experience.

John Farquhar-Smith, who is producing the event, said: "This event will obviously be a massive logistical challenge involving a large team of experts and the highly experienced volunteers who work with Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd along the National Trail.

"The 500 volunteer illuminators we want to recruit for this event will also play a crucial role in creating the line of light."

All the volunteers will receive a special scroll commemorating their involvement in the event. Anyone wanting to take part should register on the website at www.illuminatinghadrianswall.com before February 22. Illuminators must be aged 18 or over.