A COSMIC shower produced by a flaky asteroid is just one of the out-of-this-world attractions at a festive star party.

Starmaker astro-guides are staging a Christmas-themed event under the dark skies of the North Pennines AONB at Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, County Durham, on Friday, December 12, at 7.30pm.

The event coincides with the “Geminid” meteor shower which can produce spectacular shooting stars.

There will also be chance to view astronomical wonders through powerful telescopes, take a tour of the constellations and find out more about objects called the Blue Snowball and the Christmas Tree Cluster!

Organiser Rob Ince said: “December skies can be stunning and there are few better places to view the stars than the North Pennines.”

The Starmakers initiative will see more than 40 events staged before the year's end in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and the North Pennines AONB.

The event is perfect for novices and will feature colourful talks with spectacular pictures and videos taken under our starry skies.

Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5 for children. Bookings can be made via the Northumberland National Park website northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

For more details, call Mr Ince on 07511-403702.