Enter via post If you can't submit your entry online, send it to: Young Times/Alex Rider Gadget Academy
Marketing Department,
Walker Books,
87 Vauxhall Walk,
London,
SE11 5HJ
 Please include your name, email address, the name of your gadget and your 200 word description of what it does.

This competition has now closed and the winner will be announced in the Young Times on Friday 1st October. Please check out the best entries here.

"Your help is needed to create a gadget for teenage agent Alex Rider's deadliest (and I'm told, last ever) 9th mission.

Take a look at Alex's gadget gallery to see blueprints of some of the everyday objects I managed to turn into serviceable weapons. I hope they prove inspiring.

    Please do remember:
  • Your gadget must be an everyday item - something that Alex would be likely to carry on his person in the field
  • It has to be non-lethal - Mr Blunt forbids Alex to use any covert weapon that can harm or kill. Useful, fun and not too bloody please
  • Don't worry about your drawing skills; it's the idea that counts. You can draw or produce your gadget on a computer, but it must be your original idea and it must be in colour."

Competition terms and conditions