BBC Sky At Night presenter Chris Lintott made a special guest appearance in Runcorn at the weekend.

He joined hundreds of stargazers at the north west astronomy festival at The Heath Business Park.

The event is organised by Runcorn couple Sue and Andrew Davies who run the Knowledge Observatory at Wigg Island.

Plans are already underway for next year’s festival which will launch a new art and photography competition to be judged by top UK astronomers.

Andrew Davies said: “We had a great time.

“Book signings, the astrodome star show, meteorites galore and solar observing provided plenty to do for all the family.

“The new summer dates provide a wide range of opportunities to take the festival outside and get involved.”

Presentations were made by Will Gater, Mark Thompson, astro photographer Damien Peach and Nick Howes.

Money raised from the festival funds an innovative learning programme to inspire teenagers disengaged in education, employment or training to improve their skills.

The young students were presented with their diplomas in living and life skills at the festival.

Andrew said: “It was great that we were able to share their success with guests in the lecture theatre.”

Visitors were able to explore the sky at night inside a giant planetarium.

Clubs and societies including Runcorn and Widnes (RAW) offered help and support to new and budding astronomers.

World Museums Liverpool Planetarium also provided information and advice.

Next year’s festival will have many more hands-on science and space activities, workshops and talks for all the family.

For more details, visit theknowledgeobservatory.co.uk