Former Army Pilot Major Tim Peake Awarded Freedom Of Chichester

Image: Andrew Matthew/PA Images.

British astronaut and former Army Air Corps officer Major Tim Peake has thanked his mum and dad for their "unwavering support" as he was presented with the freedom of his home city.

Chichester City Council awarded the highest honour it can bestow on Maj Peake at a ceremony attended by 1,200 people.

Mayor Peter Evans presented the title at the Chichester Festival Theatre before Maj Peake, 45, gave a talk about the European Space Agency's Principia Mission.

Maj Peake said: "None of this would have been possible at all without the immense support from family and friends.

"Despite choosing a career path from an early age that has had more than its fair share of risk, my parents have always provided the encouragement and unwavering support to help me to succeed.

"Thank you, mum and dad and all the friends and family that are here today."

He added: "I would like to say how delighted I am to be here in my home city and what a huge honour it is to receive the freedom of the city of Chichester."

Maj Peake went on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) began in December 2015, returning in June 2016.

He was also a member of the area's Air Training Corps, and his parents live in nearby Westbourne.