TV star Professor Cox goes back to school for a day!

Television's star Professor Brian Cox caused a stir when he went back to his old school in Chadderton for the afternoon.

Professor Cox returned to St Matthew's C of E Primary, where he spent time speaking to hundreds of excited current pupils about science and space.

Professor Cox spoke at length about his enthusiasm for science, and his considerable expertise in the field.

He enjoyed every minute of his return to the school site, which was named Chadderton Hall Primary when he attended back in the 1970s.

He told the Chronicle: "I've absolutely enjoyed returning. There are bits I can remember about it.

"The views from the windows are wonderful too.

"I was here for about seven years and I've got lots of happy memories."

St Matthews' Deputy Head Kelly Eyres said: "We're all delighted to welcome Professor Cox back to school.

"It's wonderful that he agreed to come and speak to the pupils during our Science Week at school.

"He definitely inspired and enthused the children."

Professor Cox OBE, FRS, who turned 50 earlier this year, is a hugely popular physicist who serves as professor of particle physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester, where he lectures every week.

He is best known to the public as the presenter of TV science programmes, especially the Wonders of... series and for popular science books, such as Why Does E=mc²? and The Quantum Universe.

He has been the author or co-author of over 950 scientific publications.

Cox has been described as the natural successor for BBC's scientific programming by both David Attenborough and Patrick Moore

Before his academic career, Cox was a keyboard player for the bands D:Ream and Dare.

Born at the Royal Oldham Hospital, he later lived in Chadderton from 1971.

After attending St Matthew’s primary school, he went on to study at Hulme in Oldham.

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