Former astronaut Chris Hadfield extended his book signing at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition by two hours today.

More than 700 people had their copy of his autobiography ‘An Astronaut’s Guide To Life’ signed by Ireland’s newest tourism ambassador at the RDS this morning.

Among those who turned out were father and daughter Mike and Nicola Duckett who flew over from Manchester for the signing, although he was in Manchester last week.

“I’ve been interested in space since the 1960s. He’s down to earth and a very intelligent guy,” said Mike.

Rebecca Bowell left Abbeyleix at 6.30am this morning and presented Cmdr Hadfield with a copy of Abbeyleix: Life, Lore and Legend. “It’s just a little thank you for all he has done. He’s an amazing man, very inspirational.”

Cmdr Hadfield will speak at the Armagh Planetarium tomorrow and will carry out book signings in Derry on Monday and Belfast on Tuesday.

He will visit a gaelscoil in Buncrana and tour the Inishowen peninsula, the start of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cmdr Hadfield was announced as Ireland’s tourism ambassador earlier this week. He has agreed to make a number of promotional videos for Tourism Ireland.