A man, who won a once-in-a-lifetime return flight to space, paid an inspirational visit to young pupils.

Ilford Recorder: Hussain Manawer, who is due to travel to space in 2018, talking to pupils at Christchurch Primary School, Ilford.Hussain Manawer, who is due to travel to space in 2018, talking to pupils at Christchurch Primary School, Ilford. (Image: Archant)

Hussain Manawer, of Ilford, gave a motivational talk to pupils at Christchurch Primary School, Wellesley Road, Ilford, last week.

Mr Manawer, who beat applicants from more than 90 countries to travel out of the Earth’s atmosphere in 2018 in the XCOR Lynx spacecraft, took part in science-themed activities with Year 1 pupils and addressed the rest of the school during assembly with an inspirational speech about his life journey.

Mr Manawer said the day was a success and the children loved it and have already invited him back.

“The talk was to inspire and motivate them. When you are that young and someone who speaks like you from your local area talks to you, it’s something special for them [the pupils],” he said.