Astronaut Tim Peake Visits National Space Centre Leicester

14 October 2016, 15:10 | Updated: 14 October 2016, 17:27

British astronaut Tim Peake has visited the National Space Centre in Leicester for the first time

British astronaut Tim Peake has visited the National Space Centre in Leicester for the first time.

He was there to meet with local schoolchildren and receive an Honorary Degree for Doctor of Science by the University of Leicester.

VIDEO: @astro_timpeake high fives his fans as he arrives @spacecentre #Leicester #CapitalReports pic.twitter.com/nEZsY6GViH

— CapitalEastMids News (@CapitalEMNews) October 14, 2016

Before being awarded the honour, Tim gave a talk, answering some questions the children had - explaining what it's like to 'blast off'.

VIDEO: @astro_timpeake describes the moment he went into space @spacecentre #Leicester #CapitalReports pic.twitter.com/uD724CTqa4

— CapitalEastMids News (@CapitalEMNews) October 14, 2016

 Although he's never been to the centre, he linked live to the Centre on two occasions, where he answered questions from school children and the media. 

Tim returned to Earth in June 2016 after a historic six-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS).

Tim said: "I've been extremely touched by the support of the British public before, during and after my mission to the ISS and I hope that my post-flight tour will allow me to thank as many of those people as possible."

At today's visit, Capital spoke to a number of schoolchildren who were overwhelmed at meeting the first British astronaut to work on the International Space Station.

A word they used a lot was...."amazing":

 Professor Paul Boyle, said: "We are delighted to award an honorary degree to Tim who has made an historic and remarkable contribution to UK space exploration and we hope that his accomplishments serve as inspiration to our own graduates.

"It is only fitting that his degree ceremony be held at the National Space Centre which the University of Leicester played an instrumental role in developing. Our researchers, who have a long and distinguished record of discovery in space science, continue to regularly contribute their expertise to the Centre, its governance, and the shape of the educational initiatives."