A woman wearing a full white space suit with blue and black detailing is seated on the ground while being assisted by several others. The suit includes a helmet collar ring, control modules on the chest, mission patches, and tubing along the arms and legs. A smiling man and a woman in combat uniform standing on either side are supporting the suited person by holding the arms, while additional hands are visible near the legs providing support. The surrounding scene appears outdoors under bright daylight, with no visible background structures.

She may have been to space and back, but Britain’s first astronaut is making a much-shorter trip to Guernsey for International Women’s Day.

Dr Helen Sharman CMG OBE became the first British person in space back in 1991, when she spent eight days in space, with the majority on the Soviet Union’s Mir Space Station.

Dr Sharman is set to give a talk to girls in years 10 to 13 from local schools and colleges on Monday morning, as well teachers and local dignitaries – all as part of Soroptimist international Guernsey’s (SIG) ‘Out of this World’ event.

A spokesperson for SIG said the group was “thrilled” Dr Sharman had accepted the invitation to speak.

They added: “This is a unique opportunity to hear from this outstanding professional about her career, both in space and on earth!”

As well as being the first British person in space, the Sheffield-born chemist was the first western European woman in space and first woman to visit the Mir Space Station.

An anonymous local sponsor had funded the private event, which will be attended by about 360 people.

Attendees will include Lady Louise Cripwell, Patron of Soroptimist International Guernsey, her husband Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Cripwell KBE CB, and Deputy Paul Montague, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture.