A WEYMOUTH youngster got an exclusive play on Dorset’s newest adventure park as he took on his role as 'playground manager'.

As Weymouth Sea Life’s Caribbean Cove prepares to open to the public at the weekend, nine-year-old Jake Warren and a group of his friends were the first to test out the facilities as Jake was announced the site’s junior manager.

Jake beat-off competition from more than 330 applicants to be selected by the park’s junior board-, made up of Sebastian and Isaac Cubillo-Mead, and Millie Reed- to be crowned the 'Captain of the Cove'.

Jake said: "As soon as I heard about it I was interested. I go to Sea Life quite a lot and I think the park is great. I felt excited and proud of myself when I found out. Now, I have to come back throughout the year to give them ideas and suggestions for the playground."

All seven to 11-year-olds across Dorset were invited to enter the competition by answering a series of online questions detailing why they would be good at the role.

For his efforts and prize entry Jake also won a Go Pro.

Sea Life marketing manager Raquel Cubillo-Meade said: "We decided to appoint a playground manager to engage with our key audience. Jake will give us advice on how we run the playground and help us make sure we are getting it right for the kids."

Caribbean Cove will bring investment of £500,000 to the Weymouth attraction and is designed to give youngsters somewhere to explore and learn about the importance of marine conservation.

Raquel added: "The Cove has Calypso Heights with all the towers and slides, then there is the Canyon Bridge with various different bridges, and we have octopus crawl-through, so there equipment for children of all ages."

Whilst playing at the Cove, youngsters can become a Sea Life ranger, helping Tyler the Turtle find and protect sea turtle eggs, and learn the importance of sealife habitats and the damage human wastes like plastics can do to them.

Caribbean Cove opens to the public on Saturday, April 1.