A TALENTED local astro-photographer managed to capture the moment the elusive Northern Lights were visible from Somerset this weekend.

Josh Dury had travelled to a number of locations to capture the dancing waves of light on Saturday night, before striking gold in the village of Priddy (near Wells) in the Mendip Hills at around 10pm.

He revealed the experience was an emotional one for himself, after the recent news that the Mendip Hills had been given 'super' National Nature Reserve status.

Josh recounted the events leading up to the moment he managed to witness the Aurora Borealis from the Somerset nature reserve.

"Over the past weekend, we had a really strong report for the Northern Lights," he explained.

"A coronal mass ejection from the Sun resulted in the aurora borealis becoming visible from across the United Kingdom and even into southern Europe.

"On the night the sub storm hit, I travelled to a number of locations to capture the Aurora.

"This photograph was captured from the Mendip Hills just before clouds began to roll in - as photographed, red rays can be seen low on the North horizon.

"This was a particularly emotional experience for me, after the news of the Mendip Hills being designated as super National nature reserve.

"To see the Northern Lights from the Mendips for me, was a really special experience, especially being partnered with the Mendip Hills AONB.

"A number of photographers attempted to catch the aurora with cloud beginning to obscure Bristol and surrounds.

"Luckily for me, clear skies, prevailed on the Mendips."