Kielder Observatory has called for more volunteers to help out at its popular facility.

The Northumberland-based astronomical charity hosts an array of events throughout the year and relies on volunteers to keep operations running smoothly.

An Open Day slated for Sunday (August 4), offers astronomy enthusiasts an opportunity to learn more about the charity and its contributions to star gazers nationwide.

The observatory hosts more than 700 annual events, drawing up to 20,000 visitors to its site, nestled within the heart of the largest gold tier dark sky park in Europe, Kielder Forest.

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Volunteers conduct a variety of functions including serving teas and coffees, and guiding guests around the observatory.

Some engage in hands-on maintenance, with a recent initiative seeing more than 30 volunteers band together to refresh the facility's appearance employing cleaning supplies, gardening tools, and paintbrushes.

Dan Monk, director of astrophotography and volunteer manager at Kielder Observatory said: "Kielder Observatory means such a lot to the people who come here, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without our army of enthusiastic volunteers, who play an essential role in its upkeep and running."

Monk also noted that no experience was necessary, just a "passion for astronomy and a curiosity for learning more."