North Yorkshire Dark Skies Festival to shine light on kids in need

The annual Dark Skies Festival will run during February

An event at North Yorkshire's annual Dark Skies Festival aims to help disadvantaged children be able to spend a night under the stars.

Ticket sales from an online talk by astronomer Carole Haswell will be used to fund gilets to be used by kids at forthcoming outdoor events.

The festival, which runs until 25 Feb, highlights the beauty of the night sky without light pollution.

The North Yorks Moors and Yorkshire Dales are official dark sky reserves.

Over the course of February, stargazers can follow constellation trails, explore underground caves or experience an astronomy evening as part of festival events.

Activities are available for visitors of all ages and trails at Sutton Bank and Danby Lodge have been recommended for parents with young children.

A number of night activities will be taking place

Derek Twine, from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said "enjoyment and discovery" were at the heart of the festival.

He added: "It's also a reminder to us all of the vital need to do everything we can to protect one of nature's greatest wonders, the night sky, from light pollution so that we can help safeguard the natural world as well as our own health and wellbeing."