British astronaut Tim Peake hails spacewalk 'a privilege'

Tim Peake said it was "a privilege" as he became the first official British astronaut to walk in space after leaving the International Space Station (ISS) to repair a broken power unit.

The 43-year-old, from Chichester, West Sussex, was accompanied by Nasa colleague Colonel Tim Kopra, 52, for the six-and-a-half-hour operation.

A live feed on the Nasa website showed the moment Major Peake tentatively emerged from the ISS, where he has stayed since leaving Earth on December 15 for a six-month mission, with the Union flag on the shoulder of his space suit.

As he prepared to exit the air lock, one of his colleagues, Commander Scott Kelly, took a moment to point out it was "really cool" to see the Union flag outside.

Mr Kelly said: "The Union Jack has explored all over the world, now it's exploring space."

Major Peake replied: "It's great to be wearing it. A privilege, a proud moment."