AN enthralling adventure story, titled ‘The Futurevators’ and written by Farnham-based Sophie Thomas, has been put up for a Pitch to Rich award.

After hearing Leonardo DiCaprio’s speech to the world as a UN Peacekeeper and Oscar winner, Sophie was inspired to create a children’s eco-innovation story. The book is aimed at children aged seven to 11 and sees Leo Rio and Diddy Captain, two quirky and heroic protagonists whose names are a play on the stars’ name, travel around the world in a solar powered plane exploring eco-innovation initiatives.

‘The Futurevators’ cultivates positive thinking, a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world and a solution-based approach.

Sophie said: “This is my response to Leo’s speeches and I hope that ‘The Futurevators’ serves as reassurance to children that they matter, can have the courage to dream of making an impact, and indeed become a new kind of hero themselves.”

Finalists in the Pitch to Rich awards will pitch their business ideas to Richard Branson himself on May 23, and two winners will be picked for a share of £1 million in prizes.

Public votes close on May 15 at 7pm, so make your vote at voom.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitches/the-futurevators.

‘The Futurevators’ is also running a competition for children nationwide.Children are being asked to provide up to 30 words on what they’d like the future to look like. These voices will then be collected, with Sophie adding they “hope to get them to the UN and other important bodies”.

To enter the competition, go to www.futurevators.com/competition.