Star gazers will have their eyes to the skies tonight for the annual Perseids meteor shower.

The ‘firework display’, which is the result of cosmic pollution created by the comet Swift-Tuttle, can be seen between July 17 and August 24, but reaches its height of activity on August 12.

Clear skies are predicted across Dorset and up to 60 shooting stars could be visible between Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

The Met Office forecast for south west England says: “Under the clear skies temperatures will fall away with some more rural spots becoming chilly by dawn. Minimum Temperature 9 °C.”

The meteor shower is named after Perseus, the point within the constellation from which it appears to originate.

You won’t need a telescope or binoculars, the display will be visible to the naked eye.

Will you be watching the Perseids shower tonight? email your pictures to us at digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk