Lorraine Kelly: Tim or Kim? I know who I’d choose to inspire our children

IN an age when reality TV “stars” are idolised and someone like Donald Trump can become US President, we are in dire need of good role models for our young people.

So step forward Tim Peake, the modest, intelligent, sweet-natured British astronaut. He is a real inspiration.

Like many kids watching the 1969 moon landings, I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up.

It was the most exciting, extraordinary “job” any of us could imagine.

Of course, there was no chance of a wee lassie growing up in Bridgeton, Glasgow getting the chance to join NASA.

But look where we are now. Female astronauts and cosmonauts have been up in space.

Tim reached for the stars back in December 2015, spending 186 days in space and last week it was revealed he would be going back up there again.

A space walk was one of the highlights of his mission, although there was a hairy moment when water leaked into his helmet and he had to quickly get back to the space station.

Tim showed grit, determination and tenacity to sail through a tough training and selection process to become the second astronaut to display the British flag patch on his space suit.

The first, I am happy to say, was Helen Sharman, who made history on her mission to visit the Mir space station in 1991.

Since his return, Tim has been inspiring a new generation with his enthusiastic and informative talks in schools and science centres.

And the tiny capsule which carried him on his mission has gone on display in London’s Science Museum.

It’s humbling to think that Tim and other brave men trusted their team on the ground to bring them home safely in what was basically a tin can.

The astronaut was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by the Queen last month, in recognition of his services to space research and scientific education.

He was actually aboard the International Space Station when he found out about the award.

With typical modesty, Tim dedicated the honour to the team who made his journey possible.

He is a special man with so much still to achieve and, although his wife and two sons must miss him when he is in space, I am sure they could not be more proud.

I would much rather kids listened to his inspirational, entertaining and informative talks than watched Kim Kardashian’s latest reality TV show.

However, to be honest, I’d also love it if they did both. That way they’d be both entertained and well-informed.