Those intrepid guardians of marine life, the Octonauts, are bringing their mission to the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham this autumn.

The popular crew of the Octopod entertain fans up and down the country as they strive to save sea creatures in trouble. With hundreds of youngsters following their plight on CBeebies, they can now get one step closer to their idols at the all-new Octonauts Training Academy.

From 18th October to 7th November, the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham is giving children the chance to discover more about the Octonauts crew. As cadets they'll master the specialities of their favourite characters across six fun zones including Kwazii's Rockpool, Dr Shellington's Research Area and Professor Inkling's Library.

There's even the opportunity to meet some of the characters in person before young enthusiasts are rewarded for their training with a very special Octonauts medal and certificate!

The Octonauts are quirky and courageous adventure heroes who dive into action whenever there is trouble under the sea. Equipped with a fleet of aquatic vehicles, they rescue amazing sea creatures, explore incredible new underwater worlds, and often save the day before returning safely to their home base, the Octopod.

Based on the original books by Meomi, Octonauts is animated by Brown Bag Films and continues to go from strength to strength as a unique and exciting global pre-school brand.

The exciting characters will be making a splash for a limited time only so book early to avoid disappointment. This is an opportunity not to be missed! Visit www.sealife.co.uk/birmingham for further information.

The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham transports visitors to an amazing underwater world, where they get to see incredible sea life from all over the planet, from the coast of Britain and the chilly Antarctic, to the tropical waters of the Caribbean.

The aquarium is home to over 2,000 creatures, such as sharks, as well as a rescued Giant Green Sea Turtle, jellyfish, piranha, octopus and rays.

For regular news, updates and competitions, The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham is also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sealifebirmingham and Twitter https://twitter.com/sealifebham. You can also keep up-to-date with what Ginny the Gentoo has to say by following her on twitter at https://twitter.com/ginnygentoo.

ENDS

For further information please contact Gough Bailey Wright on 01527 579 555

Michelle Ivins – Senior PR Director: michelleivins@gough.co.uk

Laura Quigley – Senior PR Account Manager: laura@gough.co.uk

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 105 attractions, 11 hotels/3 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and c25,000 employees. 

 Among Merlin's attractions are – Sea Life, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park Resort, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK.  All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.