Stargazers head to remote village

Astronomers from around the country are preparing to head for a remote village in Northumberland to take advantage of its unique night sky.

Nearly 200 amateur stargazers will descend on Kielder village, which offers views of the stars often ruined elsewhere by light pollution.

The Kielder Forest Star Camp takes place in the 240 square mile man-made forest from 14-17 October.

Astronomers say the remote Border region offers a "magnitude six sky".

This means that celestial objects, not normally visible in areas with light pollution, can be seen with the naked eye.

The event has been organised by the Forestry Commission and Sunderland Astronomical Society.

Richard Gilchrist, a chief recreation ranger with the Forestry Commission, said: "Kielder's night sky is one of its biggest assets and the sight of the Milky Way arching overhead remains a spectacular reminder of what's been lost elsewhere."