'Breathtaking' display of aurora borealis over Craven skies

The spectacular natural phenomenon, also known as the northern lights, was viewed by people across the UK.

A stunning image of a sycamore tree and the aurora borealis at Eshton (Image: James Wellock)

The Craven Herald has been sent images by James Wellock, who captured some stunning images which included the silhouette of a sycamore tree over a Saxon burial mound at Eshton and the brightly coloured aurora borealis in the background.

A stunning image of the aurora borealis at Eshton (Image: James Wellock)

James said: "To witness such a spectacular natural phenomenon as the northern lights from my very own farmyard was nothing short of breathtaking.

"Our caravan park is a registered Dark Skies friendly location so we knew we were in a prime location to see it, but I was nevertheless in awe of the magnificent scene of red, blue and green lights dancing across the sky above my head."

Craven resident Paul Hodgson, who captured a spectacular image of the northern lights over Cross Hills, said: "Seeing the Aurora displaying with such intensity like that was breathtaking, to be honest.

"It brought tears to my eyes. I’ve only ever seen it from camera phone pics and only brief flickers of green.

A spectacular image of the aurora borealis over Cross Hills (Image: Paul Hodgson)

"Last night was off the scale.

"The whole sky in every direction was alive with greens, reds and purples and very vivid to the naked eye.

"It's almost a spiritual experience and stirs the soul, hence the welling up."