ROCKREEF has revealed the winner of the 10th-anniversary mascot challenge.

Bournemouth Pier’s climbing attraction invited children to create a mascot for the centre, with the top design earning its creator a year of free clip ‘n climb sessions.

The judging panel selected Izabela Kaczynska, aged 12, as the winner of this exciting competition.

Izabela’s imaginative mascot design stood out for its “bold colours, adventurous spirit, and perfect embodiment of RockReef’s ethos of fun and excitement”.

A judging panel, including Violet McClean, TheGallery’s curator at Arts University Bournemouth, Cllr Andy Martin, customer, communications and culture at BCP Council, and James Johnson, the editor of the Daily Echo, had the difficult task of selecting the winning design.

The judges praised the creativity and enthusiasm of all the participants.

Violet McClean said:  “It’s been wonderful to see such imaginative and diverse designs. The level of talent and thought put into the entries was truly impressive.”

The new mascot will now take centre stage as the official face of RockReef’s 10th birthday celebrations, which will continue in November.

The character will be brought to life and used in the birthday marketing.

The winning design, along with the top ten, will also be featured in a special exhibition curated by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). The exhibition will showcase the top entries submitted by talented young artists and be hosted at RockReef on the pier.

Izabela will enjoy a year of free clip’n climb sessions at RockReef, giving her the chance to experience all the fun activities the attraction offers.

AUB has awarded a place at its Saturday Art School to a budding artist as a prize so she can further refine her skills.

Izabela said: “When I first visited RockReef, I was a bit scared to climb, and I thought it would have been easier if I had a friendly mascot to help me feel brave.

“I hope this mascot can help other kids feel that way too.

“I chose a character for the mascot that has a slim, flexible body - perfect for getting through tunnels or caves like the ones at RockReef.

“Its fluffy fur can help comfort kids who might be nervous about climbing, like a reassuring hug. I even designed its body with a rope-like texture to represent the ropes used in Clip ’n Climb for safety. And, of course, I used RockReef’s bright, inviting colours to make it feel at home.

 “I’d like to thank my art teacher, Miss Witherington from St. Peter’s School, who told me about the competition.”