Romford residents were left in awe after the sky "exploded" with colour from the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could be seen across the UK last night (October 10) - and they were even pictured in Romford.

Keen photographers caught the lights' pale green, pink and purple shades on camera, everywhere from Harold Hill to Gidea Park.

A gorgeous display of colour over the gardens in Rise ParkA gorgeous display of colour over gardens in Rise Park (Image: Contributor) From about 10pm the aurora borealis were captured by phone cameras - because they can pick up more light than the human eye - but the lights were bright enough at times to be seen with the naked eye.

One resident Sarah O'Shea said: "It was an amazing night.

The northern lights captured by Sarah O'Shea, looking out over RomfordThis photo is by Sarah O'Shea, looking out over Romford (Image: Sarah O'Shea)

"Just after midnight the sky exploded.

"You could see it with your eyes too."

Sarah took stunning photos of the Northern Lights from South Street, looking out over Romford, first between 10pm and 11pm and then again after midnight.

Even the Romford Shopping Hall shared its pictures on Facebook - taken in Gidea Park - summing up the experience of seeing the Northern Lights with a "wow".

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A photo of the northern lights in Romford, sent in by John WalkerA photo of the Northern Lights in Romford, sent in by John Walker (Image: John Walker)

If you missed the display yesterday, there is still a chance you could see the Northern Lights in Romford tonight - although it will be much slimmer.

In its latest space weather forecast, the Met Office said: "The chances of aurora remain initially, though gradually easing through October 11, becoming increasingly confined to far northern geomagnetic latitudes by October 13."

The northern lights from South StreetThe Northern Lights from South Street (Image: Sarah O'Shea)