A former Cranbrook schoolboy and NASA astronaut has revealed he has terminal cancer.

Piers Sellers became just the third British-born person to go into orbit when he made his first trip to the International Space Station in 2002.

In total he completed three shuttle missions.

But this week the 60-year-old has revealed he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in October.

Writing in the New York Times, he said the most important thing he wants to do with his remaining time, aside from spending time with loved ones, is to continue his work on climate change.

The NASA scientist said: "I've no complaints. I’m very grateful for the experiences I’ve had on this planet.

"As an astronaut I spacewalked 220 miles above the Earth.

"Floating alongside the International Space Station, I watched hurricanes cartwheel across oceans, the Amazon snake its way to the sea through a brilliant green carpet of forest, and gigantic nighttime thunderstorms flash and flare for hundreds of miles along the Equator.

"From this God’s-eye-view, I saw how fragile and infinitely precious the Earth is. I’m hopeful for its future.

"And so, I’m going to work tomorrow."

Dr Sellers left Cranbrook grammar school in 1973 and had to become an American citizen to be considered for the NASA programme.

He went on to spend a total of 35 days in space and was appointed an OBE in 2011.

Head teacher at the Waterloo Road school, Dr John Weeds, said: "Piers has been and remains an outstanding ambassador for Cranbrook.

"Whenever he has returned and spoken to us we have found him captivating and inspirational.

"We are very proud of him and are saddened by the news about his health. We have sent best wishes to him and his family on the school's behalf."

Tim Peake, who this year became the first official British astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station, is said to regard Dr Sellers as a role model.