Britain’s first astronaut to travel into space paid a special visit to a Kent school as part of her latest mission.

Dr Helen Sherman spoke to students at Northfleet School for Girls in Gravesend on Friday (November 10).

On May 18 1991, Helen was launched into space for an eight-day mission orbiting the Earth.

She was one of two Britons selected for astronaut training out of almost 13,000 applicants.

The mission was named Project Juno, and her daily tasks involved medical, agricultural and chemical experiments.

Helen became the first person from the UK in space at just 27 years old.

Now she plans to inspire the next generation to follow in her footsteps.

At the school, Helen, a former comprehensive school student, encouraged pupils to go into STEM and further education.

She also recounted her experience aboard the Mir space station alongside her Soviet Union colleagues, as well as giving some top tips for getting into university.

Speaking to KMTV, she said: “Wouldn’t it be great if some students from Northfleet School for Girls become astronauts in the future? Absolutely fabulous.

“What I am hoping to do today is to encourage those who might have an aptitude for STEM subjects, to consider continuing those subjects after school.

“For those students who think that university might not be for them just because they don’t know anybody who has been, to say, you know what, it might just be for you.”

Northfleet School for Girls posted a message on their social media, thanking the former astronaut for attending.

“Despite her busy schedule, Dr Sharman spent lots of time with our staff and students,” it said.

“Some of our starstruck science ambassadors presented her with some gifts to say thank you, including some orange roses which were the same flowers she was presented with when she returned to Earth from her space voyage.

“We would like to thank Dr Sharman for giving her time to visit our school and providing such an inspirational afternoon – a day we will all remember for many years to come!”