This stunning nighttime image of the English Channel between Dover and Calais, captured from 30,000ft, provides a unique view of the UK and its continental neighbour.

Taken from an aircraft on a mobile phone, it shows the sparkling lights of both ports, with Calais on the left and the moon shining in the top left corner.

It's a scene many of us will have admired returning from holidays abroad - but few would have been able to capture to such effect.

Now the photograph posted on Twitter has attracted almost 23,000 likes and been retweeted 1,778 times.

It has also sparked quite a discussion which, perhaps unsurprisingly, ventures into the disadvantages of Brexit and even the Second World War.

The photographer says it was taken on the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max, which costs £1,100 and is said to boast the best camera on the market.

"[It] encapsulates how close we are to Continental Europe - but also the insanity of breaking the close relationship...."

The image posted yesterday has already sparked many compliments and comments.

"That's one brilliant photo," posted Jo Keohane, adding "I live in Dover and to see it from this perspective is ace!"

Writing under the user name 'just an ordinary bloke', another commented: "Excellent picture that brings home how geography sees our closeness to Europe.

"The channel may have saved our way of life once but with its advantage comes disadvantages too.

"Shame Brussels doesn’t make it easier to feel that connection too."

"Great photo! Encapsulates how close we are to Continental Europe but also the insanity of breaking the close relationship we had with them," posted @mikegoulden.

Meanwhile, Anchorian writes: "The Romans, Battle of Hastings, Crusades, Napoleon, the Pals Battalions leaving Folkestone, the evacuation of Dunkirk, joining the EU, our sad decision to leave the EU. There’s lots of history."

But taking an environmental view, @katie_jr commented: "It's a great picture but my immediate reaction is light pollution."