A FORMER astronaut had pupils feeling out of this world when he paid a visit to a North Yorkshire school.

Cundall Manor School, based between Thirsk and Ripon, played host to Rick Mastracchio to hear all about his experience in space and his career to date.

A former NASA astronaut and a veteran of four missions, he logged 227 days, 13 hours, 38 minutes in space, including nine extravehicular activities outside the space station.

In two talks to pupils aged from six to 16, Rick’s advice to the fascinated pupils was to excel at their studies, but also to challenge themselves and acquire a wide variety of skills.

He also told pupils of his personal spaceflight experience and the history of the space programme.

Headmistress Amanda Kirby said: “Rick’s experiences give him a very unique perspective on life and for him to get on stage at our school and speak to our pupils is an experience that I am certain none of our pupils or staff will ever forget.”

The visit was arranged as part of Space Lectures' outreach programme.