Two sites on the north Norfolk coast have officially been recognised as being great for stargazers.

Fakenham & Wells Times: A view of Brancaster Staithe from Barrow Common, one of two new sites which have been given Dark Sky Discovery Site status. Photo: Ron GrahamA view of Brancaster Staithe from Barrow Common, one of two new sites which have been given Dark Sky Discovery Site status. Photo: Ron Graham (Image: Ron Graham)

Barrow Common near Brancaster and Titchwell Marsh RSPB Reserve have been awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status.

It comes during the coast's first ever Dark Skies Festival, which concludes with a celebration on Sunday, September 22 at Binham Village Memorial Hall from 6pm-8pm.

Angie Fitch-Tillett, vice chairman of the Norfolk Coast Partnership, said: "Whether you are an astronomer, or someone who enjoys being out and about, these sites provide an excellent way of allowing people to discover the coast in a different way and crucially, help to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our night skies."

The sites have been put into the top category as 'two star' sites - where the seven stars of the Orion constellation and the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye - and join existing dark sky sites at Wiveton Downs and Kelling Heath Holiday Park.