Cities prepare to mark Tim Peake's flight to International Space Station

The UK Space Agency will hold four launch-day events in the nation's capitals and more than a dozen smaller farewell events ahead of the December blast-off of Britain's first government-backed astronaut Tim Peake.

Mr Peake, 43, will embark for a six-month stay on the space station on December 15.

The celebratory launch events will allow more than 10,000 members of the public to participate in science and outreach activities, and will also air live footage of Mr Peake's launch and docking.

Mr Peake held his final pre-flight press conference at London's Science Museum today.

He said: "I feel privileged to be a part of this incredible adventure in international cooperation."

Minister for Universities and Science Jo Johnson said: "Tim Peake's launch in December will be a historic moment for the UK in space, and marks the culmination of our partnership with the International Space Station."