STARGAZING events will take locals on a tour of the distant night sky from Saturday (September 20).

The cosmic events are being held throughout the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland International Dark Sky Park until the New Year as part of a pioneering Starmakers initiative.

Astronomy guides equipped with powerful telescopes will take novices on a tour of the heavens, revealing spectacular star clusters, distant icy planets and galaxies far away.

Starmaker leader Rob Ince said: “These events are a celebration of one of County Durham's greatest assets, its lovely starry sky.

“Light pollution is a big problem elsewhere, but we can still see the Milky Way in all its glory and scores of other wonders.”

The Starmaker's initiative is part of the Animating Dark Skies Partnership, set up following the designation of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in December 2013.

Other Starmaker events will take place at Allendale, Cowshill, Bowless Visitor Centre and Tan Hill. More details can be found at visitnorthumberland.com/darkskies/experiences

The Hamsterley event starts at 7.30pm and costs £7.50 for adults and £5 for children.

If the weather does not cooperate there will colourful talks, videos and hands-on help with telescopes, together with advice on getting started in astronomy.

Visitors are asked to bring warm clothing, a torch and binoculars if owned. To book for Saturday’s event contact Richard Darn on 07753-670038