TIM Peake’s father hopes the first exhibition to chart his son’s voyage into space will inspire generations of children to follow in his footsteps.

Nigel Peake helped put together the display which charts his son’s Chichester upbringing to how he became the first British European Space Agency astronaut.

The free exhibition, which will allow children to explore what it is like to set foot on the International Space Station, is due to open at the city’s Novium Museum on December 15, the anniversary of the launch of his mission.

Yesterday Nigel Peake, 73, said: “We’re very pleased to be involved in this wonderful project in Tim’s home city, where he went to school.

“It is carrying on his message to get young people involved. His other message was that he is a simple, village lad, he went to school and ended up in space. He wants young people to know that whatever they want to do, they can do it and shouldn't let other people put them off. It’s very exciting to know his work will continue back down here on earth to inspire the next generation and continue the legacy.”

Visitors will start their astronomical journey when they take off in the museum's lift - which will be transformed to look and sound like a rocket ship. They will land in outer space on the second floor where a collection on Chichester in the Great War is currently on display. These artefacts will be stored to make way for a completely immersive experience so visitors can imagine themselves in space.

The mission begins under a starry night sky by learning about the Soyuz rocket.

After watching the moment Tim blasted off into space, visitors will discover what it is like to eat, exercise and sleep in the International Space Station. There will be the chance to test out robot arms, try on a space suit and gloves to see how hard it is to work in space as well as take part in science experiments.

There are even plans for sleepovers so children can snooze under the stars as though they were in space.

Councillor Gillian Keegan, cabinet member for commercial services at Chichester District Council - which runs the museum - said: “This is to inspire people to work hard to achieve their dreams. There is a huge push to promote subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Space is a topic that has fascinated generations of young people and we hope many more.

“We are extremely grateful that Tim Peake’s father Nigel has taken part – making it more personal and unique.”

Museum manager Cathy Hakes added: “We hope it will be just like walking into space.”

A £12,500 grant from the UK Space Agency has funded the work which will also celebrate the work of Helen Sharman, the very first British astronaut and first woman in space. Sussex businesses are invited to sponsor the project. It is hoped Tim will visit the exhibition in person soon.