EARLY-RISERS across York, North and East Yorkshire were treated to an astrological rarity with the first total lunar eclipse for three years.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon passes into the Earth’s shadow, causing it to block the light of the Sun that would normally illuminate it.

The impressive feat of nature, seen yesterday, was made doubly so, as it was the first to fall on the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year – for nearly 400 years.

Press reader Kevin Bailey managed to catch this view of the eclipse on his camera at 7.40am yesterday from Lowther Street, York.