WORCESTER Cathedral has been shortlisted as one of five potential venues to display Tim Peake’s Soyuz spacecraft.

The decision as to whether Worcester Cathedral will be successful in its bid will be made by the Science Museum Group, which owns the historic capsule, and the winner will be announced in March.

Major Peake was only the second astronaut to bear a flag of the United Kingdom patch as an astronaut, when he went on a tour of duty to the International Space Station.

He spent 186 days on the space station before landing back on earth on June 18, 2016.

Mayor's Peake's military background included spell as a a British Army Air Corps officer, and he has also been a test pilot.

He beat 9,000 applicants to secure his place on the ESA's training programme.

During his space mission, he was also the back-up astronaut for the Soyuz.

If all goes to plan, the craft be exhibited in the cathedral later this year, on a date still to be announced.

A spokesman for the cathedral said: "It is an exciting prospect to be able to host such a significant piece of modern national history in a vastly contrasting historic setting.

"It would facilitate a unique opportunity for members of the general public from all over the Midlands and further afield, who have watched the story of space travel unfold or for younger people whose imaginations were captured by Tim Peake’s voyage to the International Space Station, to experience and savour for many years to come."

The Cathedral Nave, where Soyuz could be on display, dates back to the 12th and 14th Centuries.

The spokesman added: "It is a testament to the ambition of people in this period to push the boundaries around aspiration and excellence.

"It has magnificent high soaring gothic architecture and an impressive Victorian marbled floor and would be a superb backdrop for this exciting display."