THE dramatic thunderstorm which hit the region on Monday night might have been a nightmare for pets - but it was a dream for keen photographers as these pictures show.

Robin Morrison captured the main picture on this story over Ilminster.

Russell Durie, from Chard, sent in this picture of a bolt of lightning over his home.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Reader Jason Hockey also snapped this picture, below, from one of the windows of his house.Chard & Ilminster News:

Meanwhile, in nearby Taunton, plenty of photographers caught some striking shots.

David Orr snapped this picture below.

Chard & Ilminster News: Photo by David Orr

Emma Eggbeer also shot this photo during the thunderstorm.

Chard & Ilminster News: Photo by Emma Eggbeer

Gina Mear sent this photo in to our sister paper the Somerset County Gazette of lightning near her house.

Chard & Ilminster News: Photo by Gina Mear

Thanks to the readers who sent in these snaps - remember, you can email your photos to newsdesk@chardandilminsternews, or tweet them to @chardandilynews or find us on Facebook.