Hartlepool schoolchildren put their questions to Tim Peake

Pupils from Golden Flatts School in Hartlepool were selected to the live Q&A at the World Museum in Liverpool.

Published 2nd Feb 2016

Youngsters from a school in Hartlepool were given the opportunity to put their questions about all things space to British astronaut Tim Peake today.

Students from Golden Flatts Primary were selected out of thousands to take part in a live Q&A with the spaceman.

'Cosmic Classroom' was organised by the World Museum in Liverpool, where the event took place, as well as the TES and UKSA.

Over 10,000 teachers, representing more than 300,000 children signed their classes up to take part, but only a lucky few were selected.

The school's headteacher, Sue Sharpe said it had been an inspiring day for everyone.

She said: "It's been absolutely amazing, the children have thoroughly enjoyed it.

"It's been a really good experience and really inspiring for them.

"They were so excited to possibly get a question picked, but then to be invited down was just fabulous."

9-year-old Chloe was one of the lucky few who got to ask a question.

She said: "My question was why is there no gravity in space?

"The answer was that there is a bit of gravity but I thought there was no gravity in space!"

Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, managing director, digital at TES Global, says: “Our online community of nearly 8 million teachers has responded with enthusiasm to Tim Peake’s mission, so we were thrilled to partner with the UK Space Agency to bring the Cosmic Classroom to life.

"Nearly every school and teacher in the UK knows TES, whether as a place to share and sell resources, plan their career or keep up with the latest news but nothing prepares you for tens of thousands stepping forward to make sure their class is involved.

"We’re so excited to be a part of it.”