The Northern Lights dazzled people across the UK last night and they were perfectly on time for Aurora who was celebrating her fourth birthday.

Aurora, from Newton Aycliffe, had spent the day playing in the garden with her mum Ashley.

Miraculously, it was the very same day that the Northern Lights was visible across the UK.

Ashley described her shock this morning at waking up and seeing stunning pictures of the aurora lighting up the sky above her town.

She said: "When I saw all of the pictures I couldn't believe it.

"I thought that's brilliant because it was my daughter's birthday yesterday and she is called Aurora.

"I didn't see them myself which is a shame.

"I might try staying up to see them tonight though.

"The pictures in our area are absolutely beautiful. The lights were so bright.

"Aurora was at nursery during the day but then we played in the garden when she got back when it was sunny.

"Today we're going to have a barbeque and make the most of the weather.

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"It's my son's birthday today!"

It is likely that the Northern Lights will be visible again on Saturday night but on a reduced scale.

Krista Hammond, the Met Office’s space weather manager, said: “Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but as it stands this is likely to be less widespread than on Friday night with northern parts of the UK most likely to continue to have the best viewing potential.”