Little-known UK island officially recognised as one of the best night skies in the world

There are some pretty spectacular night skies to be seen all over the world, but did you know that one of the best is in the UK?

This is because it was recently awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification - and is now one of just 16 sites in the world with the award.

As the name of the certification suggests, the island received the award because the sky is so dark and that is what makes it so truly spectacular.

The island is owned by a trust who described the new status as a 'huge achievement' as they had to meet some seriously strict criteria when it came to the quality of their night sky.

Sian Stacey, chair of the island's trust, said that it took a number of years to make the achievement and they are hoping it helps establish the region as a 'dark sky nation'.

"There's no doubt that achieving this prestigious status for Ynys Enlli will raise the profile of the island as a unique place in Wales and amongst the best in the world to appreciate the night sky.

"We hope it will also go a long way in securing the long-term sustainability of the island."

Where is it, we hear you ask? Well, the island is called Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) and it's located in Wales.

And why is the sky so dark? Well, it's all down to the unique location of the island, which can be found two miles off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula.

There is a mountain on the land which effectively cuts off the amount of light that the island is able to receive.

The closest thing it has to light pollution comes from the Irish capital, Dublin, which is over 70 miles across the sea.

Mari Huws, a warden on the island, was a part of the certification process.

She said: "Living here I am always in awe of the island's beauty - and the night sky is very much a part of that.

"Having secured the certification, we look forward to welcoming visitors here over the coming months and years and sharing with them our unique story.

"In a world that's increasingly being polluted, it's a privilege to be able to work towards protecting something that is pristine for future generations."

The certification, which was achieved through a lighting management plan and photographic evidence, will require regular review by the International Dark Skies Association in order to be maintained.