A beautiful display of the aurora borealis was seen in the skies last night, Thursday, over the UK, and residents of Bury captured some stunning pictures.

The sky turned red, green, pink and purple and could be seen from northern Scotland to the south coast of England.

Read more: Northern Lights put on stunning display across England

A spokesperson for the Met Office said that the reason there have been many recent sightings of the lights was because the sun is nearing the peak of its solar cycle.

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles.

Read more: Will the Northern Lights be visible in the UK tonight?

As they collide, light is emitted at various wavelengths, creating colourful displays in the sky.

The lights were strongest last night however might appear again tonight, Friday, between 10pm and 11pm.

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Bury Times Camera Club member Natalie Cadman captured these beautiful images with this one taken near to Walmersley Golf Club.

Northern Lights near Walmersley Golf Club Northern Lights near Walmersley Golf Club (Image: Natalie Cadman) She also captured this subtle but beautiful shot of the aurora over Bury.

Northern Lights over BuryNorthern Lights over Bury (Image: Natalie Cadman) Gareth Waters took this very impressive shot of the aurora over the town of Ramsbottom with Holcombe Hill in the background.

Northern Lights over Ramsbottom Northern Lights over Ramsbottom (Image: Gareth Waters) Laurel Issen also took some impressive shots in Ramsbottom, capturing the lights shimmering over Peel Tower.

Northern Lights over Peel TowerNorthern Lights over Peel Tower (Image: Laurel Issen)