ONLY a few lucky individuals will ever experience the thrill of seeing Port Glasgow from 350 miles up in space.

But at least pupils at the town’s Newark Primary were able to enjoy being told about it by American astronaut Tom Marshburn, who touched down to encourage them to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Many are now probably dreaming about going into space.

Anyone who wants to know what such an out of this world adventure is like should read the engrossing ‘Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth’ by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who writes as well as he speaks.

He became famous by performing his own version of David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ on board the International Space Station, viewed millions of times on YouTube, and has made numerous TV appearances.

Fortunately, there have been no accidents in space like the calamity which erupts in the Sandra Bullock/George Clooney film ‘Gravity’, worthy winner of seven Oscars including best director for Mexican Alfonso Cuarón.

The risk of danger up there is ever-present, however, zooming along at 17,500 miles an hour, but that doesn’t deter a steady stream of hopefuls who are prepared to put their lives on the line.

It remains to be seen if any of the Newark pupils were sufficiently inspired by Tom and his engineer colleague, Heather Paul, to make the herculean effort to reach for the stars.

Perhaps one day we’ll see them boldly going where no one has gone before!