A Russian cosmonaut touched down in Bradford to meet schoolchildren at a science event.

Dr Alexander Martynov, the former director of mission control for the Mir station, gave a lecture at Thornton Grammar School to its pupils and children visiting from Queensbury School and Dixons Allerton Academy.

In the afternoon, science activities were held for about 60 children from schools across the district.

A planetarium was set up for Tuesday’s event, compressed air rockets were made and the pupils took on a communication challenge.

Jeanette Dent, science liaison teacher at Thornton Grammar School, said the children enjoyed learning about space and regularly took part in the annual International Space Olympics.

She said: “The pupils really enjoyed it.

“I think their favourite part was the compressed air rocket making, it was a nice still day and it worked really well – they launched it quite a long distance.

“Alexander comes across every year so I would like it to become an annual event at the school.”