Project chiefs will talk to residents, parish councils and businesses to gauge feedback before an application to the International Dark-Sky Association.

BBC: Dark sky protection bid for Northumberland

If approved by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA), the skies above the 400 sq mile (1, 050 sq km) of the Northumberland National Park could become a Dark Sky Reserve.

BBC: Northumberland Park bid for dark sky status given backing

The national park applied to the International Dark Sky Association to earn the status, a process that involved having its light pollution levels strictly monitored, and shielding outdoor lighting to make it more dark-sky friendly.

BBC: Five deep dark places for stargazing this summer

Martin Morgan-Taylor, board member of the International Dark-Sky Association, the US based organisation which awards the status, said the gradual loss of the view of the night sky was a loss of part of culture.

BBC: Brecon Beacons National Park wins dark sky status

"You can no longer just take a short drive from the city and look at the Milky Way or the northern lights, " says Chad Moore, a board director for the International Dark-Sky Association, a Tucson-based nonprofit organization.

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Recently designated a Dark Sky Reserve for its lack of light pollution and the exceptional quality of its night sky, Iveragh is one of only seven such reserves in the world and the first in the northern hemisphere to get gold-tier status, the highest possible grading issued by the International Dark-Sky Association.

BBC: A finish line few will cross

Khan has also announced a 20-fight deal with Sky Box Office having ended his association with ITV.

BBC: Khan to face Colombian Prescott