Photos capture dramatic sunset in Dorset after Storm Gerrit

Mark Bobin took this photo on the road between Piddlehinton and Charlton Down

After a day of heavy rain and strong winds, people in Dorset were treated to a spectacular sunset.

Homes were damaged and trees came down across the UK on Wednesday as Storm Gerrit battered the country.

In Scotland, thousands of properties were without power and in Manchester, roofs were blown off houses.

In Dorset, by 16:00 BST, the sky began to clear and people took to social media to share stunning images of the bright orange sky.

Bobski shared this image of the sunset at Winterborne Stickland on BBC's Weather Watchers

The storm fell on one of the busiest travel days, as people headed home after Christmas.

Yellow warnings for wind were in place across the southern coast of England.

Trees were silhouetted against the orange sky at Shaftesbury

In some parts of the country, lorries were tipped over, trees smashed into houses and power lines were damaged.

In Dorset, clear skies could be seen towards the west by late afternoon, although the strong winds continued throughout the night.

The colours were reflected in the water at Ashley Cross

The sky turned vivid orange, lighting up the landscape, while rainbows could be seen to the east.

Dozens of photos from across the county were shared on the BBC Weather Watchers website.

Weather watcher Soberty captured the brightly coloured sky over Sherborne

Dusk and dawn skies can look particularly stunning during autumn and winter.

Clearer air makes the colours more vivid and the sun sets at a shallower angle, meaning sunsets can be seen for a longer time.

The sunset also lit up the river in Tarrant Monkton

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