MOSCOW, January 15 (Sputnik), Ekaterina Blinova — Britain's domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has launched an offbeat initiative, dubbed Project Petra. Along with the BBC children's show Blue Peter, the prominent British security service will seek talented would-be spies among kids.
"The best potential MI5 agents will be taken to the imposing London head office of the British domestic intelligence agency, the exterior of which has featured in several Bond films including The World Is Not Enough and Skyfall," the Independent reported.
British kids aged between eight and 14 may apply to take part in Project Petra in order to become CBBC Intelligence Officers. Eight candidates will be chosen to pass special tests at a "spy school," aimed to reveal their analytical skills and physical abilities.
"Children are fascinated by the world of spies and secret intelligence and so, for that matter, am I. I'm really thrilled to have been invited to join this top secret panel, it's going to be a real adventure," says Anthony Horowitz, an English bestselling novelist and screenwriter, as cited by the Telegraph.
Mr. Horowitz, the author of the Alex Rider series of books, which recount the adventures of a teenage spy, is a member of Project Petra's panel of judges.
The BBC elaborates that the decision to launch the initiative was brought about by MI5, together CBBC. The network is broadcasting MIHigh, a children's spy-fi adventure series. British kids have written numerous letters asking the film-makers, how to become a secret agent.
"We're aware that children are fascinated by the mysterious world of intelligence and we're thrilled to be in a position to feed their passion for intrigue and adventure with this unique proposition. With MI5 and Anthony Horowitz on board, we know they will be awestruck by the expert credentials of our partners in this once in a lifetime CBBC opportunity," said CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor, as cited by the Telegraph.
The BBC informs potential candidates that Project Petra's application form will be available at the Blue Peter website, and that it must be downloaded, filled in and returned by February 2, 2015.
