NORTH Lancashire MP David Morris has met British astronaut Major Tim Peake following his months at the International Space Station.

Mr Morris, Morecambe and Lunesdale MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Space Committee, welcomed him back to earth on behalf of the committee when the duo met at the Farnborough Air Show.

Mr Morris said: "Major Tim is a national hero and it was a privilege to meet him again and welcome him back to earth. I especially thanked him for the educational work he has taken part in while in space, inspiring our children to be interested in science and space.

"At Farnborough Tim was mobbed by young people and it was fantastic to see so many children inspired by his mission and so enthusiastic to learn more about space. The committee does a lot of work in Parliament to inspire children to take up science subjects and I believe Tim's legacy will speak for itself in years to come."

Mr Morris will be at a special reception at Number 10 Downing Street this week where the new Prime Minister Theresa May will formally welcome Tim back to the UK and thank him for all of his educational work.