In pictures: Rare 'rainbow cloud' seen above the East Midlands

The sky above Alvaston in Derby

Residents say they have been left "transfixed" after spotting a rare "rainbow cloud" above the East Midlands.

The "absolutely beautiful" sight could be seen on Wednesday morning.

Colourful skies above Ashby in Leicestershire

BBC Weather presenter Simon King explained the clouds are some of the highest in the Earth's atmosphere and are often referred to as "mother-of-pearl".

The clouds are rarely spotted in the UK because of the exceptional conditions needed.

Another view of the sky from Ashby

Stunning colours above Clipstone, Nottinghamshire

Nacreous cloud form in very cold conditions over polar regions and within the stratosphere, about 12 to 19 miles high, far above normal clouds.

At about 08:00 GMT, Jane Roots, of Alvaston, took "loads" of pictures, which she described as "absolutely beautiful".

"I stood outside in my dressing gown and slippers and was transfixed," said Ms Roots. "It kept fading and then brightening and the dark grey clouds were racing underneath."

"Rainbow" clouds spotted from Derby

BBC Weather Watchers also shared photos of the cloud from across the region, including Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Glossop, Long Eaton and Swadlincote.

Residents in Scotland were amazed by the rare sight in the sky on Tuesday evening, with one BBC Weather Watcher saying it looked like a "portal to the next dimension".

"Rainbow" skies photographed from Long Eaton, Derbyshire

The sky above Sawley in Derbyshire

A view of the sky from Swadlincote, Derbyshire