EXETER University was the generous host for a group of gifted and talented students from Tavistock College recently.

The students took part in an interactive workshop exploring the impact of space travel on astronauts — this included discussing the effects of gravity, loss of communication, lack of exercise and having to eat different foods.

The group learned of how future space stations might have artificial gravity. They then attended a lecture from the associate Professor of Astrophysics, Dr Jenny Patience, who spoke about the search for planets beyond our solar system.

One student said: 'I really liked learning about what astronauts go through while in space.'

Another said she now understood 'how vast the solar system is.

The visit to Exeter also allowed the Year 7 students to tour the campus with Exeter student ambassadors, who spoke to them about University life and showed them the many facilities.

One Tavistock student said: 'The tour of the campus really made me consider going to Exeter University in the future.'