THREE aspiring local entrepreneurs are collaborating to make a collection of handmade wooden and silk boxes inspired by the wonders of the Dales' dark.

Fell running furniture maker Tom Addison, from Tom Addison Fine Furniture, and textile designer Rachel Stirr behind Bernie & Blue have together designed a walnut keep-safe box that captures some of the awesome astronomical events that can light up the inky heavens of the national park.

The national park has been designated a Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association because it is so free from light pollution.

The handcrafted boxes feature a shooting star design carved into the lid and a silk interior inspired by the aurora borealis and some of the natural forms, textures and patterns that can be seen in outer space along with polished solid brass fittings. They have been skilfully upholstered by Carrick-based Emma Harris, from Emma Harris Upholstery.

The Buckden box collection has been specially created as the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority marks its seventh annual Dark Skies Festival which runs for 17 days until March 6. Buckden in Upper Wharfedale is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site in the park from where the night sky can be seen at its brilliant best.

''One thing I love about living and working in Wensleydale is the dark skies and looking up on a clear night, when I'm out either for a run or a walk with my dog,'' said Tom, 32, who lives in Askrigg, and was English fell running champion in 2014.

''You always feel lucky when you see a shooting star. They often take you by surprise when they trailblaze their way across the night sky. It was the magic of this spectacle that inspired me to make a box that celebrated the dark skies in our area.''

“Collaborating with Rachel and Emma to share this breath-taking wonder has been an exciting journey. We hope others will enjoy the beautiful galaxy swirls of the dark walnut grain which has been locally supplied from Wonder of Wood near Settle.

Rachel Stirr of Bernie and Blue, based in Richmond, said: ''Dark skies inspire me to discover and learn more about myself and the universe and allow for that moment of being at one with nature and having alone time, to just simply be in the world.

The Buckden box collection are available for pre order via www.tafinefurniture.co.uk and www.bernieandblue.co.uk