AN Okehampton youngster has scooped a major prize in a regional competition organised to celebrate the opening of the £3.6-million Explorocean Centre in Plymouth. Oliver Thomas, who attends Kelly College in Tavistock, won the 10 to 12 age group in the Explorocean competition to design an underwater vehicle to explore the World?s oceans. His winning entry ? the Pacific I ? enabled Oliver and his family get exclusive access to Explorocean on the day it was officially opened, getting to use all of the exhibits, including flying one of the underwater Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) which are a feature of the venue. In addition to getting the chance to visit Explorocean, Oliver will also become an environmental reporter for the day with ITV Westcountry as part of his winning prize. Oliver, who wants to be a film director, said he was really looking forward to becoming a reporter with ITV Westcountry. The design competition was launched to celebrate Explorocean ? the UK?s first interactive centre built to increase education and raise awareness of the importance of the world?s oceans and marine science and technology ? and saw youngsters from Devon and Cornwall taking part. Melanie Cowie of the National Marine Aquarium, found the judging was extremely tough, but Oliver?s design caught the judge?s eye. ?We had a great response to the competition and it was fantastic to see the real thinking that had gone into the youngsters? designs. It was a very difficult decision but we felt that Oliver?s entry had some really good ideas in it, including the use of hydro-electric fans,? said Melanie. Explorocean is unique to the UK ? a visitor attraction that has been designed to teach people about the importance of the world?s oceans from a natural, commercial and scientific perspective.
