The Northern Lights have treated British stargazers to a spectacular display tonight, delighting people across almost the entire country.

Thanks to clear skies counties including Cornwall, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Dorset have been treated to the phenomena, which is rarely seen so far south.

The aurora borealis have also been seen in the likes of Yorkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, London, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire – with hundreds of people sharing beautiful photos of the sky above the UK being turned shades of green, purple and pink.

One of the strongest geomagnetic storms for years is hitting the planet with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration having issued a rare solar storm warning. Such storms increase the chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

Stunned Brits have been taking to social media to share their pictures – with many amazed to be able to see the natural wonder from their own back gardens.

Many people pay thousands to travel to the likes of Iceland and Norway in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights only to be left disappointed.

One social media user exclaimed: “I can’t believe this is happening!”

Another shocked Brit added: “Never in my life did I think I’d see the Northern Lights from my house in York!”

A third posted: “I’ve paid hundreds of pounds to see the aurora in Scandinavia and now I can see them outside my bedroom window! And probably the best and strongest display I’ve ever seen!”

A fourth wrote: “The Northern Lights just truly came alive in the past 5 mins! Can now see it with my own eyes. Can’t believe I’m seeing this so southerly in Dover, wow!”