CHILDREN in Otley are set to enjoy an 'out of this world' talk with British astronaut Tim Peake.

Ashfield Primary School pupils will be put in direct contact with Major Peake, who is on a mission with the International Space Station, in May.

The event is a coup for the school which is the only one in Yorkshire to be selected for the Amateur Radio on ISS link-up.

Ashfield was chosen following a lengthy application process involving schools across the country, and will be put in touch with the space station at some point between May 3 and 6.

Its bid was led by staff member Michael Ross, through his links with Otley Amateur Radio Society (OARS) and supported by BBC One Show scientist - and Otley resident - Dr Marty Jopson.

News of the application's success has sent excitement levels at Ashfield - and pupil enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based topics - soaring.

Headteacher Elspeth Warren said: "Not only have the STEM subjects been invigorated by this link up, but we have also been able to enhance art, drama and English through this theme."

Inspired by the bid's success, Ashfield hosted a science and space focused festival at the end of February in a collaboration between the Otley Family of Schools, Prince Henry's Grammar School, Leeds University, Eureka!, OARS, the Radio Society of Great Britain, Bradford Astronomical Society and Audioserv Ltd.

The day featured all kinds of STEM-based activities and demonstrations with participants from many local schools and groups, along with evening science shows by Dr Jopson.