A young space enthusiast has been given the chance to climb inside a genuine Russian space capsule at the Isle of Man Motor Museum in Jurby.
Two capsules, one of which has been to space twice with Russian astronauts, were originally brought to the Island by a company hoping to launch a commercial passenger‑spaceflight service.
After the project collapsed during a lengthy court case, the capsules were left behind and later taken in by museum owners Denis and Darren Cunningham.
As part of a link‑up with the Mars exhibition at St German’s Cathedral, the museum offered discounted entry throughout March and the chance for one child to sit inside one of the capsules.
Sophie French was selected at random and recently got to experience the cramped interior for herself.
“I felt very surprised about winning and very excited,” she said. “The experience was so interesting and cool. I felt so lucky to be able to see and go inside the space capsule.”
Denis Cunningham also showed Sophie around the workshop, where she tried out a bubble car and even an aeroplane under restoration.
