Northern Lights illuminate South West night sky

The Northern Lights lit up the sky over the south west of England on Monday night.

Pictures captured late on Monday and in the early hours of Tuesday show displays from Bude in Cornwall to Lustleigh in Devon.

The Northern Lights have been frequent in the UK over the past few months, with more sightings expected in the future.

However, it takes a particularly strong geomagnetic storm for it to be visible in southern England.

Analysis from David Braine, BBC South West senior broadcast meteorologist

Last night we were treated to a double astronomical treat, the Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August.

It is active between 17 July and 24 August and peaked between 12-13 August.

Along with this there have been several solar flares creating the right conditions for the Northern Lights to be visible across the UK over the last two days, the two combined giving a rate treat to those in the South West.

Currently the sun is going through its 11-year cycle during which its activity peaks and wanes, this autumn and early spring the cycle will be at its maximum so it is likely we could see more of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), clear sky allowing.