PUPILS from a Blackburn school thought it was out of this world when astronaut Tim Peake after impressing judges as part of the Rocket Science project.

The six students from Shadsworth Junior School were invited to meet him at a conference at the University of York after taking part in the space seed project.

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Run by RHS Campaign for School Gardening and the UK Space Agency, youngsters planted seeds that had travelled inside the international space station with Mr Peake.

The whole school took part in planting, watering and monitoring the space seeds while the group completed research about Tim Peake and presented their findings to the school and governors.

The pupils then presented their Rocket Science project, which included a space seeds song, to the UK Space Agency.

So impressed were they that they invited year six pupils Georgia Haworth, Chardonnay Meadowcroft, Luvenna Smith, Fillip Szczepaniak, Anthony Duxbury and Chloe Calvert, to meet Mr Peake at the Principia Mission conference on Saturday.

John Warren, science co-ordinator at the school, said the project inspired children in school to plant their own seeds and grow their own food.

“The project enhanced the use of the school eco-friendly greenhouse made from recycled plastic bottles and encouraged children to learn outside the classroom,” he said.

“I run an after school science club and this term I am over-subscribed with children on a waiting list to join.

“I believe this to be one of the impact measures of the space seed project, increased interest in science.

“We are collecting seeds from the original batch of space seeds to replant and hopefully grow a second generation of rocket seeds. The children felt proud to be involved and will remember this research project for years to come.”

He added the the project had been well received by parents, teachers and governors.

“To have met Tim Peake has given the children something to remember for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Headteacher Jenny Hetherington said Mr Peake was ‘very friendly and down-to-earth’.

“He took the time to speak to each child. They asked lots of questions about what food he ate and whether he could touch a star,” she said. “We are really thrilled that our children have been recognised in this national competition.” as they are all budding, enthusiastic scientists who have a love for this subject.”

She added the children have been very inspired by Mr Peake and followed his mission closely.