A RECORD-BREAKING British astronaut is touching down at the University of Essex to share breathtaking stories of his space explorations.

On the invite of the Colchester Pint of Science initiative, Dr Michael Foale CBE, a veteran of six NASA missions to space, is hosting an informative and fun evening at the university's Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall next month.

Dr Foale was the first Briton to perform a spacewalk and until 2008 he held the record for the most time spent in space - an impressive 374 days, 11 hours and 19 minutes.

He still holds the cumulative record for the most time in space for a UK citizen.

Shellie Wall, one of the Colchester Pint of Science team, said: "Michael will be touching down for an evening at the University of Essex where he will be telling breathtaking stories of his days in space over six incredible missions.

"He has been described as being able to captive a room with the audience hanging off every word.

"We are really excited to be running this event after the last year’s success and hope to attract as much public interest as possible, reaching a diverse audience."

Pint of Science is a worldwide science festival aimed at getting people of all ages and backgrounds talking about the world around them.

As part of the festival, a group of postgraduate students from the University of Essex organised for a host of leading scientists to discuss a range of topics in Colchester pubs and cafes throughout May.

Dr Foale's visit is a one-off event organised by the Pint of Science team in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Miss Wall said: "We want science to be at the heart of the community and we believe that background and personal circumstances shouldn’t determine a person’s potential to engage with research."

An evening with astronaut Michael Foale takes place at the University of Essex's Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Friday, July 5.

Tickets cost £19.50 full price and £12.50 for concessions.

Discounts are available for group bookings, to find out more email sawalla@essex.ac.uk.

Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Visit pintofscience.co.uk/events/colchester.