SCHOOLCHILDREN will be invited to explore the cosmos at a newly-refurbished observatory.

Keele University's Earth and Space Observatory has just undergone a £360,000 facelift in order to make it more accessible to the public.

Astronomer Royal Martin Rees, Baron Rees of Ludlow, was the guest of honour at the official reopening of the observatory yesterday.

He said he hoped the facility, which has played an important role in the discovery of new planets, would help inspire the next generation of astronomers.

As well as being a research and study facility, the observatory is also used as an outreach centre to increase public knowledge and understanding of science.

Lord Rees, who is also president of the Royal Society, said: "Young people have an instinctive interest in science. Some will lose that interest as they get older, but I think one of the best ways to sustain interest is through astronomy.

"Young people are growing up in a world that is ever more influenced by science, and so to be effective citizens they need to have some feel for it.

"Schools and universities will help with this, but outreach efforts like this observatory can be very effective."

The observatory, which houses the historic Grubb telescope, once used by Albert Einstein at Oxford, was built in 1962.

Over the years it has developed into a collaboration between local amateur astronomers and the university's astrophysics group.

In 2007, the observatory's 24-inch Thornton telescope was used to establish the existence of the planet WASP-3b, which was voted the sixth most important discovery of the year by CNN.

Despite being a centre for cutting edge space research, the building itself was aging badly, with leaking domes and rotting window frames.

The improvement work has involved the refurbishment of the domes and telescopes, and an extension to the lecture room and the building's teaching and presentation facilities.

Images of the heavens can now be displayed on a screen in the lecture room, where a computer can be used to remotely control the telescopes.

The building will now be a much more suitable location for both space research and the training of undergraduates.

Professor Nye Evans, of the university's astrophysics group, said: "The observatory has a long tradition of exciting both youngsters and adults from the area.

"We anticipate that this exciting new facility will enhance their experience, and continue the strong links we have with the community."

Fund-raising officer Robin Cross said: "The refurbishment provides an exciting, safe and attractive environment in which organised groups, businesses, schools and educators can enjoy a 'hands on' experience."

Much of the funding for the revamp came from the Wolfson Foundation, with contributions also coming from alumni donations, the Keele Key Fund and Keele University.

A second phase of redevelopment will involve more facilities for earth science research added, but it is not known when it will happen.