AMATEUR astronomers from Warrington U3A have become the first community group to operate the Faulkes telescope at Haleakala, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, via the Internet.

The group, in association with Warrington Collegiate at the Winwick Road campus, was able to operate the telescope half way across the globe on Thursday between 11.30am and noon.

Live in real time, the group observed the giant planet Jupiter and 'The Sombrero Galaxy' which is nearly 14 and a half million light years away.

Funding for the research was provided through Warrington Borough Council's eduction department.

For further information regarding U3A Astronomy Group contact Eric Hastle on 602311.