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Blue Peter has launched a contest to find young inventors, problem solvers and change-makers across the UK.

The new Blue Peter competition will give creative young minds the chance to be recognised by Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize.

The prize highlights people and businesses around the globe who are working to solve issues linked to the environment and climate change.

“I started the Earthshot Prize to search for solutions to the world’s biggest environmental challenges and we want to find the next generation of young inventors who can make a change,” said Prince William.

The Blue Peter competition also has the backing of wildlife presenters Steve Backshall and Hamza Yassin, and Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright.

For the competition, Blue Peter is looking for aspiring environment champions and leaders between the ages of five and 15 to submit an idea or invention which they think will help create a healthy and sustainable future.

Entrants will need to explain what their idea looks like, how it can be used and what benefit it could bring to the planet.

If you are thinking of entering, you'll also need to submit a drawing or poster to bring your idea to life.

All ideas will need to be linked to one of the five Earthshots or goals which are the focus of the prize. These are:

"We hope to empower children to see that their ideas can come to life and really make a difference," said Steve Backshall.

"I hope we can guide Blue Peter viewers to learn about environmental challenges and inspire them to dream up their own inventive ideas as solutions!"

All the ideas submitted will be judged in age categories and there will be five overall winners, one for each of the Earthshot categories.

The winners will each receive a certificate and win an exclusive Blue Peter Orange badge which is given to competition winners.

They will also be invited to take part in special VIP filming with Blue Peter and will receive a copy of the Earthshot Prize book 'A Handbook for Dreamers and Thinkers: Solutions to Repair our Planet'.

The Earthshot Prize, which was launched back in 2020, is a global competition created by Prince William and the The Royal Foundation.

People from all across the world are encouraged to put forward their ideas, innovations, and technologies aimed at protecting the planet and creating a sustainable future everyone.

This competition is open to UK residents aged between five and 15 years of age.

Entries, competition rules and privacy notes can be found on the Blue Peter website.

The competition closes on Monday 28th October 2024 at 5pm and the winner will be announced on Blue Peter in 2025.