Skies dazzle as aurora sweeps over North England

Pink, green and purple hues have lit up the night sky as the Aurora Borealis swept over the North East and Cumbria.

The Northern Lights appeared on Tuesday night because the Sun is going through an active phase experiencing a number of eruptions, sending solar particles towards the Earth.

Mandy Cape spent three hours watching the "magical display" in Saltburn while Cumbrian photographer Jonny Gios said the spectacle "never fails to impress".

The National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration said there was a good chance of seeing the aurora again on Wednesday night, although weather forecasters said the skies may not be as clear.

Chris Barrass, who works as a taxi driver, saw the spectacle glow over Newcastle Aiport, while BBC Weather Watcher Paul Appleby caught the display over St Mary's Lighthouse near Whitley Bay.

In Cumbria, Mr Gios said he was prepared for the solar storm and "planned an area of exploration in search of clear skies".

He said some of the clearest skies were over Caldbeck Common, having already visiting Shap, Lowther, Ullswater and Dockray.

"As I was driving along to each destination I could the sky red even with 52% moon illumination and obviously my headlights on," Mr Gios said, adding: "Just an amazing sight to see.

"Aurora chasing has got addictive".

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