CREDITON boy Sam Stevens is all set to be riding waves this summer, thanks to the Marks and Spencer Surfboard Design Competition.

The UK retailer has created an exciting new range of surf inspired clothing for children aged up to 14 years. To celebrate, 50 youngsters from across the UK were offered the chance to win their own personalised, hand-shaped surfboard.

Sam's innovative design, featuring a number of dice tumbling through fiery flames was picked out of more than 1,700 entries.

Entrants were given the opportunity to go wild with their creativity and devise their own board using whatever style and design they liked.

A panel of judges, including a European Surf Champion, selected the 50 lucky winners from around the UK and Ireland and each little surfer has now received their own bespoke surfboard, shaped by a renowned Newquay-based company.

Winner Sam told the Courier: "I started off with the flame background on my design but decided it was a bit plain. My dad was playing cards at the time and seeing the dice gave me the inspiration to further my creation. I have already surfed before and loved it so I am really happy to have my own board!"

Marks and Spencer Exeter store manager Claire Thomas says: "We planned this competition to celebrate the launch of our surf-inspired high summer range for kids and we have been delighted with the response.

"Sam has created a fantastic design and it's easy to see why the judges went for it."