Tim Peake joins exclusive club of British astronauts

A look back at how we reported on the achievements of other British space explorers

Tim Peake successful launch - live

In 1991, Sheffield born Helen Sharman became the first Briton in space when she blasted into orbit aboard the Soviet Soyuz TM-12 space capsule.

Sharman, a chemist for chocolate firm Mars, won her place to go to space replying to a radio advert - "Astronaut wanted. No experience necessary."