Youngsters at a Suffolk primary school renowned for their skills crafting 3D printable objects have been hailed by British astronaut Tim Peake for their work, after being given a special audience with him.

A host of pupils at Holbrook Primary School joined the Schools Conference in Portsmouth, where they shared their work in designing 3D printable objects which would work in helping astronauts at the International Space Station.

Among the creations were 3D printed inhaler caps, which in May caught the attention of charity Asthma UK and the subsequent article was retweeted by Major Peake on the ISS, who in a message to the talented youngsters said: “Loved hearing about the incredible work Holbrook Primary School are doing with their 3D printing project via Asthma UK.”

“Their work has been inspired by our respiratory research on the International Space Station.

“I hope they never stop being inquisitive and learning – then maybe one day one of the pupils may end up here in the International Space Station!”

And earlier this month the youngsters were able to meet Major Peake at the Portsmouth conference, who once again heaped praise on the pupils’ efforts.

The school’s computing co-ordinator Richard Williams, said: “He spoke to them for several minutes and recalled their work designing and developing asthma inhaler accessories. He said they should be put into production. He thought that their project was brilliant and inspiring.”

The astronaut’s inspiring words left a mark on the pupils who were delighted to meet their science hero.

Holbrook pupil Tristan, 10, said: “It was amazing to meet Tim Peake. The guy is a bit of a hero. He remembered our school project and said it was inspiring. That made me feel proud.”

Eight-year-old pupil Verity added: “I know that all the children in school are proud of us, and a little jealous.

“We want to share what we learnt with them, and our teacher is going to make a video all

about it.

“Tim was shorter than I expected. I enjoyed learning about how all the water (even the sweat and the wee) is recycled aboard the ISS.”

Elsewhere at the conference, the children met TV presenter

Dallas Campbell, saw a genuine NASA spacesuit, crafted

and launched paper rockets, and learnt about explosions in zero gravity.

Mr Williams added: “It was an inspiring conference, and one of the best school trips I have been on. It was great to see our children, from Suffolk, up there on stage presenting their scientific work alongside schools and colleges from across the UK.

“We all learnt so much by attending and I hope that this raises the aspirations of our children within our school, and across the county.”