'Lunar halo' moon seen across West Country

Rachel Dewis spotted the phenomenon from Cheltenham

The Moon has recently been spotted across the West Country with a "lunar halo".

This appearance is caused by refraction of moonlight from ice crystals in the upper atmosphere.

The Met Office explained the ice crystals formed in high clouds can be an indicator of rain as they travel lower.

It said: "In summer months particularly, the Halo can be a sign of approaching storms."

A view of the Moon from Chalford Hill near Stroud

Another view of the 'halo' was spotted in Stroud