Stargazers explored the wonders of the night’s sky at a ‘star party’ in west Suffolk at the weekend.

Organised by members of the Orwell Astronomical Society, the event was held in the heart of Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds on Saturday night.

It coincided with International Observe the Moon Night when similar astronomical events take place around the world.

The 50 participants in the Nowton Park Star Party were able to gaze through telescopes and view the moon, planets, stars and galaxies 2.5 million light-years away.

There were also talks about astronomy by members of the society, who guided visitors around the constellations using laser pointers.

The party is the first of its kind to be held in Nowton Park - an ideal location because it is well away from light sources to maximise the chance of viewing stars.

Park ranger, Will Hardy said: “People started to turn up as it got dark and we moved to an area among the trees that was shielded from light.

“We were lucky that it was a perfect night for stargazing with crystal clear skies so you could really see everything well.

“It was also great to be part of something where similar events were taking place all over the world.

“It went so well that we would certainly like to repeat it next year.”