A NASA astronaut with a strong Isle of Man connection has safely returned to Earth after 91 days in space.

Nicole Stott was one of seven astronauts on board the space shuttle Atlantis when it made a 'picture perfect landing' at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

According to reports, she was due to fly back to Houston early this morning to be reunited with her seven-year-old son and Manx husband Chris, who is president and chief executive of ManSat.

During her time in space Nicole took part in a live video link-up with a group of pupils from the Island's secondary schools, from the Manx Museum in Douglas.

She returned to Earth resting on her back in a special seat on the shuttle's lower deck, to ease her return to gravity after three months away.