A Liverpool post office has sold out of eclipse glasses as people prepare to watch Wednesday evening’s solar eclipse, highlighting intense public interest in the event. Safe viewing is important because looking directly at the Sun without suitable protection can cause lasting eye damage.

Karen Smith, who runs Booker Avenue Post Office in south Liverpool, said demand had been “crazy” and staff had stayed late to fulfil orders supplied by a retired scientist. The eclipse is expected to peak in north-west England at 19:10 BST, while online and high-street supplies have also been depleted after unusually high demand; experts advise people without certified glasses to use indirect methods such as a pinhole camera.