Barry, 18, is spending two of his weeks off planning a space mission to Mars and he'll have the facilities at NASA'S International Space School in Houston, Texas, at his disposal.

He flew out yesterday (Monday) to join up with around 20 youngsters from around the world after winning a scholarship from ManSat, a Manx company working in the field of satellite communications.

What's more, it's Barry's first ever trip abroad and it meant a last-minute dash to obtain a passport!

It's the third year running the trip has been offered, in conjunction with the Department of Education, to an Island student and Barry follows previous winners Jennifer Stone and Alison Crellin.

Each student has been given a place on the crew for the Mars 'mission' and Barry is looking forward to what Education Minister Steve Rodan described as 'the opportunity of a lifetime'.

Barry beat off competition from other Island sixth-formers to win the scholarship. They all had to tackle three essays how can space be of service to humanity?, how can the Isle of Man play a greater role in international space activities?, and why am I interested in space?

ManSat finance director Ian Jarritt said: 'It was a close competition and it was a good set of essays from Barry to win it.

'ManSat believes that space is the great adventure of our time and this was the feeling we picked up from Barry's essays.'

Mr Jarritt added: 'We'd like to thank the department for all its support, in particular administrator Roz Gash for all she has done in helping with the publicity, and both St Ninian's teacher Jeanette Weatherall and head teacher George Quayle.

'I'm delighted that someone of the male persuasion has won it we've had two girls so far so this balances it up a bit for the boys!'

Barry, of Douglas, is hoping to go to university in Salford this autumn and has his sights set on joining the army as an officer.

During his trip to Houston he'll be staying with ManSat president Chris Stott, a former Onchan resident, who is married to Nicole, a qualified US astronaut.

Barry explained: 'I was interested in the competition last year and I thought that if I'd known about it in time I would have entered.

'This year some of my friends said I might as well go for it and so I tried to prove that I could do it.

'I did not do any research, it was just things I had picked up from watching documentaries.

'I think the thing I'm looking forward to most is getting to walk around NASA itself. I've always wanted to go there and see it and I've spoken to Jennifer (Stone) a few times about what it is like and what to expect.'

Education Minister Steve Rodan said: 'This scholarship offers a marvellous opportunity for our students to join with others from around the world to spend a short time at the heart of the American space programme.

'They will see and do things that most young people can only dream of and will be able to apply the experience as they embark on their careers.

'I know it will be a terrific experience for Barry and it is an opportunity of a lifetime. I'd like to thank ManSat on behalf of the schools both they and the department get a lot out of this partnership.'