Northern Lights dazzle across East Midlands

The colliery headstocks at Clipstone framed the Northern Lights in Nottinghamshire

The Northern Lights have put on a spectacular display across the East Midlands.

For several hours a celestial kaleidoscope played out across the autumn sky, from Retford in Nottinghamshire to Lutterworth in Leicestershire.

The Met Office had earlier said the lights, also known as aurora borealis, might be seen only as far south as the Midlands but they were visible through much of the UK.

The phenomena brought out hundreds of photographers to capture the moment, helped by widespread clear skies.

Green and pink lights over Ashbourne in Derbyshire

The ornate buildings at Swithland Reservoir, Leicestershire, were bathed in light

The aurora happens when charged particles are blasted out of the sun and collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

They have been more visible in recent months because of increased solar activity.

Houses in Mansfield, silhouetted against the colours of the Northern Lights

The landmark of North Leverton windmill in Nottinghamshire features in this shot

Some people only had to step out of their front doors to see the display, like this in Belper

The spectacular display could also be seen at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire