Astronaut Nicole Stott has planted a tree at the Tynwald National Park, to mark the increasing role of women in science.

Nicole, who has a Master of Science degree in engineering management, was joined at the arboretum in St John's by female science students from each of the Isle of Man's five secondary schools.

The ceremony involved Nicole planting a six-foot high oak tree, which was provided by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Nicole, who took part in the final mission of the space shuttle Discovery earlier this year, took seeds gathered from an ash tree at Glen Helen into space on a previous mission, and those saplings are now thriving in a private garden.

Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare said the planting of the oak tree would remind future generations of the Isle of Man's connection with the space industry.

He said Nicole's co-operation and support was an inspiration to young people on the Island.

Nicole is married to Manxman Chris Stott, who is chairman of the space company ManSat.

(Picture: Nicole Stott, second from right, with Kirsty Taggart, Rebecca Johnson, Charlotte Harcourt, Hannah Riordan and Stephanie Watson),