IT'S a hobby which may require you to set your alarm clock for 4am, but for members of a South Craven club it's well worth it.

The stars and planets wait for no man and if the opportunity arises, the most dedicated members of Lothersdale Astronomy Club are more than happy to get up in time to see fantastic views of the solar system.

The club has gone from strength to strength after Skipton and Craven Astronomical Society disbanded and Amanda Clement resurrected it in Lothersdale in September 1994.

Raygill Fisheries, run by Amanda and her family, was found to be a perfect site for enthusiasts, not least because of its lack of light pollution.

The mum-of-two became hooked on the hobby after witnessing the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997.

"I think I have always been interested," she said. "I got a telescope as a Christmas present, but until the group started I hardly used it.

"I was a member of the Skipton group which was great from a practical point of view with guest speakers, but our club is more hands-on. It's just great to meet up with people who are so enthusiastic. It really makes a difference when someone can tell you about things."

She added: "There's nothing better than seeing a great view of the moon, it's beautiful and you can see such detail through a telescope, even where astronauts have landed, and the Sea of Tranquillity.

"You can see the rings around Saturn, stripes on Jupiter and we have seen the Northern Lights, flashing red and green.

"A member recently timed it perfectly so we could see the International Space Station.

"I think Raygill is a perfect site, it has no light pollution, it's private, safe and quiet and there's somewhere to have a cup of tea!"

Astronomy is not the cheapest of hobbies and thousands of pounds can be spent on state-of-the-art equipment.

Members of the group are interested in different aspects of astronomy, including astro-photography, where pictures are taken while a camera is held over the eye-piece of a telescope.

On a good day (or should that be night?) the club can attract 25 members from places such as Rathmell, Barnoldswick and Keighley. And they even have an international member in Nicole Dickinson, who lives near Lothersdale, but hails from Paris.

All are welcome to join the club and a telescope is not required. It costs £1 per session. The group next meets on Wednesday February 22 at 8.30pm. For more information call Amanda on 01535 632500.