The BBC’s flagship children’s programme Blue Peter has gained unprecedented access to film inside the headquarters of security service MI5, as part of a search to find three junior wannabe spies.  Dubbed ”CBBC intelligence officers”, the three will be allowed into Thames House in London – followed by Blue Peter’s cameras – to see how the intelligence service works.  The children and their families will be subject to security vetting before they are given their exclusive tour, in an initiative codenamed Project Petra in memory of one of the long-running show’s best-known dogs.  Children aged between eight and 14 can apply to take part in Project Petra; eight will be chosen to take part in an assessment weekend at what the BBC calls a “special spy school”.  There they will take part in a mix of physical and observation challenges and will be whittled down to the final three by a panel of judges, including Anthony Horowitz, the Foyle’s War author and creator of teenage spy character Alex Rider.  According to the BBC, the initiative came about due to both MI5 and CBBC, which broadcasts spy drama MIHigh, receiving lots of letters from children asking how to be a spy.  CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor said: “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.”  Blue Peter editor Ewan Vinnicombe said: “Project Petra is one of the most exciting opportunities Blue Peter has ever given its audience.”
BBC seeks to recruit three budding child spooks in Project Petra initiative, the first time TV cameras have been allowed inside the security service’s HQ