If you were lucky enough to be looking at the sky in the early hours of this morning then you may have been in for a treat.

The aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights, appeared early this morning in the skies over the North East.

Pictures taken of the phenomenon over St Mary's Island in Whitley Bay on North Tyneside show the breathtaking spectacle along the region's beautiful coastline.

And it wasn't just the coast which provided stellar views of the northern lights. People in County Durham, Northumberland and other rural areas also reported seeing the skiy light up.

Paul Gale captured this image of the northern lights at Steetley pier in Hartlepool

Craig Strawbridge captured this stunning photo of the northern lights on Sunday night

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