THE solar eclipse finally arrived on Wednesday after all the hype, anticipation and expectation.

While Bury could only claim 90 per cent of the eclipse, thinner cloud meant a better view of the once-in-a-lifetime treat than for many in the total eclipse zone in the far south west of the country.

Crowds gathered in Kay Gardens in the town centre to catch a glimpse of history.

Notebook in hand and special cardboard viewing glasses on nose, the BT's own stargazer SUZANNE FINNEY was out and about. Here's her countdown to the Heart of Darkness...

10.45 am: There is an air of expectation in and around the town. People everywhere are donning cardboard glasses, and other strange creations (some copied from Blue Peter!) We await birds falling asleep and dawn choruses - well you never know!

The staff from Lifetime Careers were out and about outside their office, relishing the opportunity to snatch a quick glimpse of the eclipse:

Kathryn Allen said: "This is a fantastic opportunity - the eclipse has got to be seen. I understand the press being a little wary about the risk to your eyesight and they are right to put warnings out. But it won't stop me having a good look - through my glasses of course. I'm also looking forward to seeing my friend's video of the day's event."

Colleague Caroline Whittaker reckoned: "It is quite an exciting day but I have to say I am not happy to stare directly at it - even with my glasses on. I can't resist the odd glance!"

Ashraf Karolia said: "I find the whole experience absolutely amazing. I am very excited. There is a very nervous atmosphere around because people don't quite know what to expect." 10.55am: The sky is darkening slightly as people watch the heavens. Next door we caught Emma Cooper and Mark Davies out and about outside their offices at Zeebra Design. Emma was excited at what she called "a really special day".

"I am just so disappointed that I didn't get hold of any eclipse glasses," she said.

Mark Davies: "I'm not too interested in seeing the eclipse on the street. I'm off to watch it on the internet!"

11.00am: The crowd count down until the big event begins. In Kay Gardens young mums Angela Smith and Alicia Brierley had brought their little ones along for the special day. Benjamin Smith (12 weeks) and Lewis Brierley (eight months) weren't too forthcoming on the event, but their mums were excited.

11.05am: There is excited chatter amongst eclipse watchers as the event draws closer. Among the crowds watching the eclipse are Elder Stephen Waite, Dean Cryer, Paolo Schina of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They told me: "This is an absolutely astounding event. We are all very interested in what will happen today. It is such a natural great force. The event is spiritually enlightening - a real once in a lifetime experience. But no, it is nothing to do with God, it is a quirk of nature."

11.15am: The eclipse is now at its peak. There's a hush as people gaze into the sky. Donna Peachey (16) has got an excellent view of the 90 per cent eclipse through her filter glasses: "It was fantastic. Obviously I have never seen anything like that before and probably never will again," she said. "It was brilliant, weird and a little scary. My dad is a welder and he made me this filter light which is great. I am sure this is a perfectly safe method of watching the eclipse."

11.20am: Alan Hall brought his video along and was swamped by fascinated kids. "I am so pleased I have my video camera to capture this special event," he said.

And that was it. For another 92 years at least . . .

Pictured catchign a piece of cosmic history is Kathryn Allen of Lifetime Careers

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