A BID to create Europe's largest area of protected night sky in the North-East has now been lodged with a global organisation campaigning to keep the world's skies dark.

The move to designate nearly 1,500 square kilometres of Northumberland as England's first Dark Sky Park is being considered by the International Dark Skies Association (IDA) based in Tucson, USA.

A decision is expected before Christmas.

Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society have been working on the bold plan for two years.

Widespread support has come from residents, local councils, businesses, tourism agencies, wildlife campaigners and scientific organisations, including Jodrell Bank and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

More than 300 light meter readings have been taken, underlining that Northumberland has the largest expanse of truly dark night skies remaining in England, while Kielder Observatory has shared the wonders of the Universe with over 43,000 visitors since it opened in 2008.

Local businesses are working to develop new astro-tourism activities, with some have already running stargazing packages.

Elisabeth Rowark, Director of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “We have worked very hard to put together a professional and compelling bid document.

“We can't take anything for granted, but we have a great story to tell about our long-term commitment to protecting our night skies in Northumberland and engaging with the public.”

News of comes as runners descend on the beauty spot for the fourth running of the Salomon Kielder Marathon this weekend.

The Kielder 10k and Kielder Run-Bike-Run both begin at 1pm tomorrow (Saturday, October 5).

About 1,500 runners will be taking part in the Kielder Marathon starting at 10.15am on Sunday.

The Kielder Junior Runs start at 11am on Sunday.