AN astronomer has expressed his delight for the Forest of Bowland being given recognition for its clear night skies.

Robert Ince, 53, who runs star gazing sessions in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) revealed it had been awarded a Dark Sky Discovery Award.

The title is given to areas which have considerable dark, clear night skies that are not hampered by light pollution and give a clear view of the stars.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites are a nationwide network of places that provide great views and which are accessible to everyone.

They have been nominated by local groups and organisations as their top local spot to see the stars.

Beacon Fell Country Park, Crook O'Lune Picnic Site, Gisburn Forest Hub and Slaidburn Village Car Park were all given the Dark Sky status.

The former resident astronomer at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory in Gallow Forest Park said he was delighted to find out the forest had gained the accreditation.

He said: "I'm so pleased that it's been recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site.

"People often talk about the forest as being absolutely beautiful in the day - and they're right, but it holds as much beauty in the night as well.

"Nine out of 10 people have never seen the milky way with their own eyes because of light pollution in the cities and the smaller towns.

"What you can see up here when it's dark is incredible, it's something I have always been fond of.

"I got my first telescope when I was 12 and I have never lost my love and passion for star gazing."

Mr Ince, who has worked in the forest for over 10 years will be holding a series of star gazing sessions this year as part of the Festival Bowland Events which take place in different areas across the site.

Hetty Byrne, Forest of Bowland sustainable tourism officer, said: 'We're delighted to join the Dark Sky Discovery Partnership's growing network of sites which highlight the best spots to see the night skies in the UK.

"The AONB, as part of its sustainable tourism developments, put forward four sites for approval by the Dark Sky Discovery programme.

"They are accessible sites, with good sightlines and relatively low light pollution, giving people the best possible conditions to just turn up and see the stars on a clear night."