PUPILS at St Aidan's CE Primary School in Billinge are preparing to become space biologists, after being selected to grow seeds that have been into space with British astronaut, Tim Peake.

A number of schools nationwide have been chosen to take part in the seven-week-long experiment entitled 'Rocket Science'.

Arranged by the UK Space Agency and the Royal Horticultural Society, which is running a school gardening campaign, the project involves planting 100 rocket seeds that have spent months in microgravity, alongside seeds that haven't been to space, to see if there is a difference in the results.

Headteacher Melanie Ravenscroft said: "We are very excited to be taking part in Rocket Science. This experiment is a fantastic way of teaching our pupils to think more scientifically and share their findings with the whole country.

"It also gives the students a chance to show their excellent gardening skills and help further scientific discoveries."

The experiment will also enable pupils to think about the preservation of human life on other planets in the future, what astronauts need to survive long-term missions in space and the difficulties surrounding growing fresh food in challenging climates.