The search is on to find someone to put on their best captain's costume to open the new Flying Bridge on the ss Great Britain.

Children are being asked to draw pictures or have photographs taken of themselves pretending to be the ship's captain to enter the competition – the winner of which will have the privilege of being first to climb the decks of the new Flying Bridge on the Weather Deck of the ship.

Claire Champion, the ss Great Britain Trust's education and interpretation officer, said: "This competition is about having fun and getting into the character of the ship's captain.

"The winning child and their family will have the chance to play a part in history, as they will be the first to set foot on the Flying Bridge.

"The child who best represents the characteristics of the ss Great Britain's Victorian captain – authority, charm and good sea legs – will play a part in the ship's history. Whiskers, sideburns and beards are optional."

The Flying Bridge is the raised area on the Weather Deck, which the captain used to climb for a better view, especially when steering the ship in and out of harbour.

Visitors will be able to climb the steps and walk around the new Flying Bridge once it is completed and opened during the Easter holidays.

The winner, accompanied by their family, will receive a VIP private tour and refreshments in the Dockyard Café, after opening the Flying Bridge, plus a family ticket allowing them unlimited free return visits for one year, and a goodie bag.

There will be three runners-up prizes of family tickets to Brunel's ss Great Britain.

To enter, send pictures to Captain's Bridge Competition, Brunel's ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol BS1 6TY or by email to clairec@ssgreatbritain.org.

Enclose the child's name and age, a parent's name, address and daytime and mobile contact numbers.

The deadline is April 7.