EXMOOR residents are being urged to keep outside lighting to a minimum for the next two and a half weeks so that starry nights can be appreciated to the full during this year’s Dark Skies Festival.

From next week until November 4, light- pollution in the national park will be tightly controlled so that star-gazers flocking to Exmoor’s Dark Sky Reserve can enjoy the full beauty of shooting stars, constellations, planets and the Milky Way.

As part of the Dark Sky Alliance’s Big Dipper campaign, property-owners are being asked to keep outside lights shielded and facing downwards, with minimum brightness and warm colours.

The Big Dipper campaign has already won the backing of Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, who said: "It’s important that efforts are sustained to cut light pollution further so we can all marvel at the night sky wherever we may live. This campaign deserves wide support."

Pamela Morris, park authority senior landscape officer, said: “Simple steps, like dipping outdoor lighting and limiting the use of more powerful security lights, can have a big impact on our view of the stars.

“The night time environment is a crucial natural resource for people, wildlife and also astro-tourism, and we look forward to celebrating its many wonders at this year’s Dark Skies Festival.”