The beloved Kielder Observatory in Northumberland has recently been spruced up by a group of committed volunteers.

The initiative was part of the summer solstice maintenance week, during which dozens of friends of the observatory gathered with cleaning equipment, gardening tools, and paintbrushes to give the building a new look.

The volunteers include members from the global professional services company, Accenture, who recently announced their support for the organisation.

David Darlington, associate director at Accenture, said: "It’s been great to help such an awesome charity, ensuring that this amazing facility continues to inspire the next generation of astronomers and stargazers.

"We look forward to working with the team at Kielder Observatory more in the future."

Accenture's generous £10,000 sponsorship will boost Kielder Observatory's mission to provide inspirational experiences for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities by observing the cosmos.

The donation will fund several key initiatives.

This encompasses half-day workshop sessions at the observatory for 10 North East schools, support for 35 volunteers over three months, and site enhancements to improve visitors' experience.

Work during the week was further bolstered by the observatory's own volunteers and by Northumbrian Water.

The latter supplied bulk water containers to the remote location to aid in the cleaning process.

Leigh Venus, CEO of Kielder Observatory, said: "Our wooden buildings are exposed to the bracing elements of Kielder Forest, and need constant care.

"We took a week out during the summer solstice to reinvigorate our observatory and the Gillian Dickinson Astro-Imaging Academy, and we’re incredibly grateful to our volunteers and everyone who chipped in.

"Accenture has been a fantastic partner, bringing many volunteers during the week and committing to our work through their generous sponsorship - same time next year."