Helen Sharman: University of Leicester honour for British astronaut

Helen Sharman orbited the Earth for eight days

Britain's first astronaut has been given an honorary degree by the University of Leicester.

Helen Sharman made history when she blasted off on a mission to the Soviet Union's Mir space station in 1991.

Dr Sharman, who was selected from 13,000 applicants to become the first Briton in space, said she was "absolutely delighted" to receive an honorary doctorate of science.

The university said she was an inspiration to all.

Dr Sharman said: "I'm incredibly flattered and it is such a privilege and an honour to be associated with the university which has long been known for its space research."

Dr Sharman's flight suit is on display at the National Space Centre in Leicester

Recalling the mission, she told the BBC: "I still dream about floating in space and feeling weightless. I remember the camaraderie with the other cosmonauts and the experiments I did.

"The views I saw [orbiting Earth] are forever imprinted on my mind."

University vice-chancellor Prof Nishan Canagarajah said: "Her achievements are literally out of this world.

"Her accomplishments provide a measure of the impact that an individual can have upon society and serve as an inspiration for us all."

Dr Sharman said she was "incredibly flattered" to get the honorary degree