BURY youngsters enjoyed an out-of-this-world experience on Monday, as they linked up with astronaut Tim Peake on the International Space Station (ISS).

Year Nine pupils at The Derby High School were joined by others from Holy Trinity, Radcliffe Hall, St Peter’s and Wesley Methodist primary schools for the space extravaganza.

During the amateur radio call to the ISS, Major Peake answered 20 questions from the pupils about his life and work, while the rest of the school followed proceedings on a live web link.

The event also involved a presentations from actor Peter Joyce, who engaged the audience as Isaac Newton, The Derby band dancers, and Ciaran Morgan, the Radio Society of Great Britain lead for ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station).

An expert science panel consisting of Dr Helen Mason OBE from Cambridge University, Jeremy Curtis, the Head of Education and Skills at The UK Space Agency, and Milo Noblet, Youth Committee of the Radio Society of Great Britain, also answered the amazed youngsters' questions on space.

A school spokesman said: "Many pupils commented on how the day was ‘unbelievable’ and that Tim Peake was a real inspiration to them.

"The 90-minute event was the culmination of many months of work focusing on space with art projects, themed dances and science experiments. This was an experience that involved all pupils right across the school curriculum.

"As only one of two schools in the north of England to be able to make this contact this was an opportunity like no other."

The Derby was selected to host a call after applying to take part in the amateur radio competition, a collaboration between the UK Space Agency, the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) and the European Space Agency (ESA).