SALTY sea-dogs have the chance to become a swashbuckling junior apprentice this summer.

Sea Life Adventure Park in Weymouth has introduced its new ‘Pirates and Mermaids’ event running from now until September 4.

As part of this, a competition has been launched to search for Weymouth’s most splashing sea lover with the chance to be crowned a junior pirate or mermaid apprentice.

The newcomer will have the opportunity to join the team and enjoy a behind the scenes tour as the Sea Life summer apprentice whilst learning about the fascinating creatures that live there.

They will also win a national Sea Life pass for them and their family.

The tour will be followed by an exciting encounter with Sea Life legends Princess Mirlandra or Captain Timbers.

The ’Pirates and Mermaids’ event allows visitors to follow two themed routes and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Adventurers must come up up an exciting short story, 500 words maximum detailing the adventures of Pirate Captain Timbers or Mermaid Princess Mirlandra.

Entrants must be between 7 and 12 years old to apply and have a keen interest in all things aquatic.

The winner will be announced on social media on Monday, July 29 by Captain Timbers and Princess Mirlandra themselves.

Applications are now open and stories must be emailed to piratesandmermaids@sealife.com by midday on July 21 to be considered for entry.