ASTRONAUT Tim Peake is set to land in York later this year to speak to school children.

The University of York has been selected to host a major educational conference on space exploration which will involve hundreds of youngsters showcasing their projects linked to Tim’s Principia mission.

The UK Space Agency is organising a conference for school pupils at the university on November 5.

British ESA astronaut, Tim, is currently on a six-month mission to the International Space Station and he made history earlier this year when he became the first astronaut representing the UK to complete a spacewalk.

The university has said that Tim is hoping to attend the conference at York, subject to operational requirements.

In addition to the conference the university will also be hosting an accompanying day of workshops and talks.

The dean of faculty for the sciences at York, Prof Brian Fulton, said: "The department of physics does a tremendous job at delivering outreach activities to schools and the public, reaching many thousands every year.

“The department's observatory, Astrocampus, is the hub for astronomy and astrophysics, both at the University of York and for the local area.

“Staff and students provide a hands-on experience of science and enable schoolchildren and the public to share in the wonders of the Universe.

"I am thrilled that Tim Peake will hopefully be joining us and I look forward to an event which will allow many thousands of people to share in the excitement of the UK space programme."

On Thursday, he spoke from the International Space Station with 100 primary school teachers who had gathered at the National STEM Learning Centre in York as part of a day of careers-focused activities.

Allan Clements, manager of ESERO-UK, which hosted the call, said: “Tim is a fantastic ambassador for STEM education and for the UK. His mission has been inspiring for the whole of the UK."

The conference in November will be free, with travel bursaries available to help with travel costs.

Children of school age, or groups, are able to apply to attend the conference by submitting a summary of their project or work.

A judging panel will select the projects that show high levels of commitment, dedication and thoughtfulness and the pupils will be invited to attend the conference.

If the application is successful a maximum of six children, with up to two accompanying adults, will be able to attend.

The application deadline is Thursday, September 15.

For details visit https://principia.org.uk/news/principia-schools-conferences/