TOMORROW morning will bring an unmissable astronomical spectacle to Worcester – so set the alarm clock. Here’s our guide to how to watch it.

WHAT IS IT?

A near-total solar eclipse – an event that will not be repeated for another decade.

It promises to be the best solar eclipse visible from the British Isles since 2003.

Chris Livingstone, chairman of Worcester Astronomical Society, said: “The moon will go right in front of the sun, leaving it to look a bit like a banana.”

WHEN?

The eclipse will start at 8.25am before reaching its maximum at about 9.30am and ending at 10.40am.

WHERE?

Thousands of sky-watchers in Worcestershire are expected to witness the phenomenon.

A public viewing of the eclipse will be hosted by the society at Worcester Countryside Centre in Wildwood Drive, from 8.15am.

This will be followed by an observing evening at Bishop Perowne school at 7.30pm.

For more information visit www.worcesterastro.co.uk.

HOW DO I VIEW IT SAFELY?

People should be aware of the real danger of permanent damage to vision posed by gazing at the sun.

DO NOT look directly at the eclipse.

The best option would be to buy a pair of eclipse glasses online which filter out 99.9 per cent of light and are completely safe to use (but you're a bit late for that now).

Other ways to see the eclipse safely include projecting an image from a telescope or binoculars on to a piece of white card, using a mirror to cast the image on to a wall, or making a pin-hole viewer from pieces of card or a cereal box that acts like a lens.

A spokeswoman for the Royal College of Opthalmologists said: “There is no safe system to directly view an eclipse. Particular care should be taken with children. Children should not be allowed to look directly at the sun.”

WHAT ABOUT PHOTOS?

The College of Optometrists advises against taking photos. It says the danger comes should people look directly at the sun as they position themselves for selfies or other shots.

WILL IT BE CLOUDY TOMORROW?

Check the forecast for cloud cover here.