Britain's first gov-backed astronaut is heading to the International Space Station

Britain's first government-backed astronaut has said he feels privileged to be part of a mission to the International Space Station.

Tim Peake is due to launch on a rocket from Kazakhstan in December for a six-month stay where he will be involved in dozens of experiments.

He has said he is excited after a gap of 24 years when chemist Helen Sharman became the first Briton in space.

“The union flag is going to be flown and worn in space once again. This time as part of the ‘European Space Agency Human Space Flight’ programme,” Mr Peake said.

“What that means is there is nothing to stop the school kids in Great Britain today from being amongst the first men and women to set foot on Mars in the future.”