UK astronaut Tim Peake has said he hopes his "remarkable" journey in space will encourage a whole new generation of scientists and engineers.

Speaking to ITV News via Facebook Live from the International Space Station (ISS), the astronaut said it was a "dream come true" to go into space and be a motivational figure.

"Hopefully I've been able to inspire some kids of our next generation of young scientists and engineers to look at space and science in a different way", he said.

Major Peake boarded the ISS in December and is scheduled to return to Earth on June 18.

"It was groundbreaking for the UK to join the human space flight programme in 2012 - I certainly hopes this will pave the way for the UK's continued involvement in human space flight", he added.

In six months aboard the ISS, the astronaut has conducted over 250 science experiments and captured the imagination of millions with his social media updates and live broadcasts.

Whilst aboard the ISS, the astronaut became the first Briton to conduct a spacewalk and run the London marathon on an on-board treadmill.

But despite saying he will "miss this place", he does look forward to his return to Earth.

"People say when you're up in space you always long to be on Earth and when you're on Earth you long to be in space".

And there's a few things he won't miss.

"We live in a very artificial environment, artificial lighting, constant hum of air conditioning systems.

"It's just going to be nice to be out in the fresh air, and be back earth on planet Earth and experience that."