The BBC has unveiled its latest app aimed at children, which was designed by a 12-year-old viewer of CBBCs Appsolute Genius show following a competition aimed at inspiring the new generation to embrace coding and programming.

The app, Escargot Escape Artistes, is available as a free app for iOS and Android devices, and is an auto-runner game with 3 core levels, with an unlockable endless mode soon to be released.

The app sees players helping a snail called Le Dude escape the head chef of the Eiffel Tower restaurant by travelling up the tower, avoiding pitfalls and hazards, and has been praised for its smooth gameplay and beautiful art direction that takes inspiration from Paris, Art Nouveau and classic French animation.

Alex, the 12-year-old who designed the concept for the app, is hoping to be a games designer when he is older, and assisted Aardman Animations in developing the visual and gameplay design of the app, as well as testing its performance.

“I think Le Dude is so cool and I am really proud that I helped to create him,” said Alex. “The final game is epic and addictive – and makes my mum scream when the Chef is catching up with my snail! Aardman and CBBC have been so amazing and I have had the best time ever since winning this competition.”

“CBBC is really proud to be showcasing the winning game from our fabulous Appsolute Genius App competition,” said Cheryl Taylor, controller of CBBC. “Were passionate about encouraging digital creativity across our output and Alexs amazing journey and his winning design will hopefully serve as real inspiration for our creative viewers.”