THERE was a spectacular sight in the skies of Bolton as people got the chance to see the biggest full moon of 2017.

The so called 'supermoon' was a result of it being closer to the Earth than usual and it appeared 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter.

The bigger and brighter moon was seen throughout the country and residents in Bolton took the chance to snap a picture while they could.

Sarah Garforth snapped a picture of it above houses in Longden Street, just off Chorley Old Road.

Phil Page also managed to get a photograph of it above Westhoughton.

December's full moon is traditionally known as the Cold Moon.

This year's Cold Moon is closer to us than the average full moon this year, qualifying it as a supermoon.

The moon reached its highest point above the horizon at midnight and this is when it appeared clearest and brightest.

The full moon was 222,761 miles from Earth, closer than its average 238,900 miles.

The moon appearing to be unusually large is an illusion created in the mind when it appears close to the horizon.

The first supermoon of the year was visible on January 12, and the second was on November 3.

Did you see the supermoon above Bolton? Send us your pictures at pictures pictures@theboltonnews.co.uk