Britain’s first ever rocket to successfully place a satellite into orbit has returned home, after a marathon 10,000-mile journey from the Australian Outback.

The rocket was launched from Woomera in South Australia (Picture: IWM).

The unveiling of the 'Black Arrow' at its new home in Penicuik, Midlothian, comes almost 50 years after it was launched into space.

Built on the Isle of Wight, the Black Arrow programme retains cult status within the scientific community.

While it was built in Britain, the actual rocket was launched from Woomera in South Australia and it was put on display in William Creek, near where it crashed.

Exposed to the harsh Outback elements and damaged by vandalism, space firm Skyrora decided to bring the rocket back to Britain.