Painting the sky in breathtaking brushstrokes of colour, these spectacular clouds were captured across the north of England as the sun started to set.

The phenomenon, known as cloud iridescence, has been dubbed a 'fire rainbow' because of the spectrum of hues it throws out across the sky.

These beautiful examples were photographed in Ambleside, Cumbria, and Normanton, West Yorkshire, this evening.

And just like with true rainbows, it is believed we have bad weather to thank for these dazzling images.

Breathtaking: The spectacular 'fire rainbow' clouds were photographed as the sun started to set over Normanton, West Yorkshire, tonight

Once in a lifetime: Photographer Ashley Cooper, who captured these scenes in Ambleside, Cumbria, said he'd never seen anything like it

The 'fire rainbow clouds', a fairly uncommon phenomenon, are created when sunlight passes through tiny ice crystals that form tens of thousands of feet in the air.

The colours produced are similar to those seen in oil films on puddles.