Major Tim Peake has blasted off into space carrying seven special covers produced by Isle of Man Post Office that he will sign and send back.

The covers mark his journey as the first British astronaut on the International Space Station. They wil be sent back by supply rocket to Earth. One cover will come back to the Isle of Man and the rest sent to the Royal Aeronautical Society where some will go on display at aviation museums in the UK and the United States.

Post Office chairman Graham Cregeen MHK said: 'Isle of Man Post Office is delighted that Major Peake has agreed to take these seven special covers into space with him and sign them while he is on the ISS. They will be literally out of this world covers that will be historic items which is why they will be put on display at various sites internationally.

'Our stamp release with RAeS demonstrates the Isle of Man’s many links with space and satellite industries. One of the largest manufacturers on the Isle of Man makes environmental controls and life support systems for use on the International Space Station in addition, the Island has a number of approved suppliers to NASA.'

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