CHILDREN in the UK are, for the first time, being given the chance to help design the cars of tomorrow. The Meriva and Zafira - the clever family cars from Vauxhall - are launching a search for seven children in Britain to give them the low-down on life "from the back seat". Forget the Famous Five - the Flex 7 children's panel will be solving the motor company's riddle about what kids really want in the cars their parents drive.

The Meriva and Zafira are setting up the panel after their own research shows that 70% of British children aged between 10 and 15 are now asked for their opinion in household decisions and nearly two-thirds would like more of a say about the family car that their mum or dad drives.

Vauxhall chairman and managing director, Kevin Wale, said: "This is a first for Vauxhall and the UK motor industry. Statistics show that children spend up to 20 hours a week in the family car and no-one has yet asked them their opinion.

Children aged 10 to 15 who want to take part in the Flex 7 Panel need to complete the following statement in no more than 20 words: If I ran Vauxhall for the day I would......

They need to send their answer along with their name, age, address and daytime telephone number to flex7@vauxhall.co.uk or in writing to Vauxhall Flex 7, 5th Floor, Holborn Gate, 26 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1BP. The seven best entries as judged by Vauxhall will be selected to join the Flex 7 Panel.