A SCIENTIST and would-be astronaut has been grilled by youngsters about her experience on a television reality show.

Suzie Imber triumphed over 11 other contestants to win the BBC’s ‘Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?’ programme.

She was put through a series of gruelling tests by former astronaut Chris Hadfield, who has now provided her with a recommendation which she hopes to use to join the European Space Agency.

Dr Imber, an associate professor of planetary science at Leicester University, has been touring the North-East and landed at Darlington’s St Augustine’s Primary School.

Deputy head Lisa Thompson said: “She talked to the children about the experience and the challenges she faced throughout the competition.

“The children also had a Q&A with her and after lunch she returned and brought in an absolutely huge inflatable planetarium which displayed the solar system and planets.

“She said she did not want to be an astronaut when she was younger, it was just something that had developed through her love of science.

“Our pupils were overwhelmed by her visit, they were so excited and asked lots of fascinating questions.

“One even asked a question in Russian which she could not answer.”

The visit was arranged by supply teacher Angelina Cooke, who works at St Augustine's. She is the chairman of the North-East branch of the Institute of Physics.

Pupils from St Teresa’s, St Bede’s and Holy Family schools were also present.