THE Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks are to run a "Starmakers" initiative to recruit and develop a band of expert astro-guides to meet the booming interest in the night sky.

With the Dark Skies Festival now an annual fixture following the popularity of the first two events and a rising level of enquiries about other stargazing evenings throughout the autumn and winter months, the parks are keen to train more people who can share and explain the night sky happenings with visitors.

A Starmakers programme has been established to provide astronomy and presentation skills so that more events can be held throughout both National Parks, plus two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale.

For more on Starmakers and the festival visit darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk