The famous professor and physicist Brian Cox returned to his hometown this week to give a special talk to Oldham pupils.

Brian Cox CBE is an author and scientist from Chadderton whose academic work has landed him in the public eye, presenting various science programmes such as BBC Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage and the Wonders of... series.

On Monday (January 15), the famous physicist came to his hometown for a special event, 'an evening with Brian Cox', at the Queen Elizabeth Hall which saw hundreds of pupils attend.

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Very excited to see Brian Cox this evening at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Listening to theories about black holes, gravity and space-time. pic.twitter.com/Q3xemt8YVd

The night was organised by Mahdlo Youth Zone which posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "It's all about opportunity and aspiration.

"Absolutely delighted to welcome Professor Brian Cox to Mahdlo to inspire so many young people."

Glyn Potts, headteacher at Newman RC College, said it was a "huge pleasure" to represent the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester during the evening.

Mr Potts added: "A room filled with young people, and one old headteacher, exciting to hear about our world."

Mayfield Primary School revealed it sent a group of its Year 6 children to the "spectacular event", writing that the professor put on a "fantastic presentation" that has "definitely inspired our love and passion for science even further."

St Anne's RC Primary School also said their youngsters were "very excited" to see Brian Cox and hear about theories around black holes, gravity and space-time.

The primary added: "A very powerful message from Professor Brian Cox saying that ‘we have a tremendous responsibility to look after our world.’

"I am sure Professor Brian Cox would be very proud of our Laudato Si team at St Anne’s."

Hulme Grammar School, where Brian attended as a student, also said: "We had a great time listening to Professor Brian Cox yesterday evening.

"Seeing a Hulme Grammar School Alumni back in Oldham is always a pleasure."

Royton Hall Primary and Nursery School said several pupils from Year 5 and Year 6 attended the night where they learned about the origin of life, black holes and saw images of space.

The school added: "The children who attended the evening represented Royton Hall with pride and were very inspired."

Crompton House Sixth Form said it was an "amazing evening" and Waterhead Academy similarly said it was a "truly inspiring" night for all the pupils and science teachers who attended.

After the event, Brian visited the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, in the Mayor's Parlour.

Cllr Chauhan said the pair has "fascinating discussions".

He continued: "You are proud son of Oldham and a great role model for out youth.

"Thank you for sharing your evening with us."

Brian replied: "Thank you, it was a wonderful evening for me too.

"I hope it's the first of many more Oldham evenings."

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