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Rare 'rainbow clouds' spotted across the North East

Richard R Clark The clouds over the coast in SunderlandRichard R Clark
Deanna Coles The mother of pearl clouds spotted in GatesheadDeanna Coles
Rare rainbow clouds, such as these seen in Sunderland, have been spotted over north-east England.
The mother of pearl clouds are formed from tiny ice crystals.

"Rainbow clouds" have been seen lighting up the skies across north-east England.

The phenomenon cast pink and orange hues across the skies from Teesside to Northumberland.

The clouds are called nacreous but are also known as mother of pearl clouds, according to BBC weather presenter Jen Bartram.

"They’re rare clouds which are very high up in the atmosphere, and extremely cold," she said.

Ian Sproat The mother of pearl clouds above The Priory in TynemouthIan Sproat
The mother of pearl clouds above The Priory in Tynemouth

"They are formed of tiny ice crystals which scatter light through them like a rainbow.

"They’re often seen when lit from below so sunrise and sunset is a great time to spot them.

"They’re only seen when there is very cold air circulating in the stratosphere above the polar regions so it’s a real treat to see them."

Take a look at pictures of the mother of pearl clouds captured by BBC News readers.

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