A DEDICATED astronomer stayed up three nights in a row to monitor the annual Perseid meteor shower and came away with these impressive shots.

Tackley resident Mary Spicer stayed up on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night to watch the meteors while the clouds over Oxfordshire cleared.

The 42-year-old was able to capture several of the 150 meteors and one fire ball.

She said: “It took two cameras, but I actually got a photograph of a burning fire ball shooting across the sky and it was much bigger than they normally are.

“More meteors are expected tonight so it’s worth having a look but the bad weather may not provide the best visibility.”