Spectacular Northern Lights illuminate Britain

Parts of the UK got a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights last night. The spectacular red and green lights of the Aurora Borealis lit up skies as far south as Essex, along with parts of Norfolk.

The lights were also visible in parts of Scotland.

Barry Wiiliams from Sheringham who took this photo and sent it to us here at ITV News Anglia said. "I'm only an amateur photographer, was a bit shocked by this event, the first time I've seen the Aurora."

The display occurs when explosions on the surface of the Sun hurl huge amounts of charged particles into space, according to the British Geological Survey.

Those thrown to earth are captured by its magnetic field and guided towards the geomagnetic polar regions.

Charged particles collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere and the subsequent energy is given off as light.

If you have managed to take a picture of the Northern Lights where you are, why not email them to ITV News Anglia

anglianews@itv.com or angliaweather@itv.com

More pictures of the Northern Lights from elsewhere in the UK

Photo of the Northern lights taken in Blackburn last night by Rob Ditchfield

People across the Midlands were able to see a very rare sight last night as the sky turned red and green through the natural phenomenon which is the Northern Lights.

The Aurora Borealis lit up the skies as far south as Gloucestershire, the result of a strong magnetic storm.

These pictures of the spectacular light show were taken by Chris Burrage in Whixal in Shropshire, who said he'd never seen them there before.

The Northern Lights are usually visible in only the more northern parts of the UK, but a surge in geomagnetic activity last night led to them appearing much further south than usual.

Did you see the Northern lights in the East & West MIdlands? We'd love to see your photos - send them to centralweather@itv.com - or post them directly to our Facebook page.

This picture shows a rare glimpse of natural phenomenon the Northern Lights over Staffordshire last night.

A strong magnetic solar storm means the Aurora Borealis, which is normally associated with the arctic circle, could be widely seen across the UK, with sightings as far south as Gloucestershire,

See: Rare glimpse of the Northern Lights in Shropshire

People across the North East were out late for a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights last night.

This picture was taken by one of our viewers, Nick Wesson, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire.

What did the Northern Lights look like where you live? Share your pictures with us on Facebook, on Twitter or by emailing pam&ian@itv.com.

The Northern Lights made a rare and incredible appearance in the British skies last night, with sightings reported as far south as Essex.

Send us your pictures and video of the beautiful display on the ITV News Facebook page or to @itvnews on Twitter.

See more: Rare glimpse of Northern Lights across Britain

People across the North West experienced something special last night when they turned their eyes to the heavens - a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Spectacular red and green lights of the Aurora Borealis lit up skies.

The lights were clearly visible in parts of the region.

If you have any pictures you would like to share, contact us.