Scientists and space enthusiasts celebrate 50 years since Apollo 11 moon landing

World renowned scientists and space enthusiasts visited the North East to mark 50 years since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took humanity’s first steps on the moon.

Egglescliffe school and sixth form college welcomed David Southwood, former chair of the UK Space Agency, James Burke, BBC’s chief reporter on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 and Dr Andy Aldrin, Buzz Aldrin’s son, through a live skype link from Kennedy Space Centre, USA.

Ambassadors from the North East STEM Hub space sector also took part with a view to inspiring and nurturing students from the school by sharing their stories and experiences.

Janine Marshall, STEM Hub North East contract manager, said:“It’s brilliant that an event of this kind has been organised by a North East school and we are proud to be part of it.

“With such mind-blowing participants joining us on the day, it promises to be a fantastic celebration not only of the 50thanniversary of Apollo 11 but also of the endless efforts and enthusiasm of bodies across the region to inspire young talents into science and the space sector.

“STEM Ambassadors working in the space sector will be present on the day to talk to the children about opportunities available and the paths they’ll need to undertake to land a job in this exciting field.”

Egglescliffe school has long been a dedicated advocate of the space industry, having named some the original house blocks after astronauts who took part in the Apollo 11 mission.

The STEM Ambassador Hub North East is run by RTC North  and covers Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley.