THOSE waking up early this morning were treated to a spectacular sunrise with skies turning shades of purple, pink and lilac.

Hereford Times Camera Club members sent in vivid images capturing the unusual weather conditions.

BBC Weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas said one explanation for the colours could be recent "low pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic".

She said they caused "rapidly rising air over the sea, which can lead to more salt molecules in the atmosphere," leading to the light being scattered more prolifically and creating "more vibrant pink and purple colours during sunrise and sunset".