TWO Russian space experts held an audience spellbound yesterday by discussing space exploration, including the possibility of man landing on Mars.

Alexandre Alexandrov, who flew his first mission on Soyuz in 1983, and Alexandre Martynov, an expert in space ballistics, launched the series of lectures at Castle Eden Walkway Planetarium, at Thorpe Thewles, near Stockton.

They will deliver 17 presentations during their time on Teesside during a week-long visit organised by Teesside colleges.

"Children always ask about what it's like up there in space," said Mr Alexandrov. "I tell them the most interesting part of space travel is walking in space and the re-entry into the earth's orbit, which can be a bit scary."

Educationalists from three colleges, Prior Pursglove, in Guisborough, Stockton Sixth Form and Bede College, Billingham, organised the trip with planetarium director John McCue.

The cosmonauts will give a public lecture, with exclusive video footage, at the City Learning Centre in Eston, near Middlesbrough, between 7pm and 8.30pm tonight.

Tickets cost £2 and are available from Prior Pursglove College on (01287) 280800.