A Message From Earth is the brainchild of Oli Madgett, originally from Snettisham and a former pupil at Smithdon High School, who is encouraging young people to make their mark on history by sending personal messages and pictures that will be broadcast to the nearest exoplanet – a planet found beyond the Solar System – which could hold life.

The project is being run in association with London-based media group RDF Digital and the social network website Bebo, where users can now make their submissions and vie for a spot among the final 500 which will be decided via an on-line vote.

Mr Madgett said: "The messages will travel at light speed, passing the moon in just 1.7 seconds.

"They will leave our solar system within seven hours, before heading on to Gliese 581c, the target planet which is 20.5 light years away. The message will reach its destination in the spring of 2029.

"Entrants can submit photographs, drawings or text and make their message about any topic they want, from our natural planet, the achievements of mankind or the worst traits of humanity to a best friend or a favourite celebrity, nothing is too big or small to be included."

To ensure the idea is technically viable it has been designed in conjunction with Dr Alexander Zaitsev, who is based at the Russian Academy of Science and is a leading authority on inter stellar radio messaging.

The chosen messages will be broadcast on October 9 by the National Space Agency of Ukraine, via its giant RT-70 radio telescope.

Mr Madgett, who now lives in Richmond, London, has previously worked with Ukrainian web developers who introduced him to scientists at the National Space Agency who have helped the idea become reality.

Before working on A Message From Earth he ran interactive services on a number of television formats such as Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen, and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

Scientists, politicians, sports stars and celebrities will also be invited to submit messages and one lucky Bebo user will travel to the Crimea to push the button and send the messages into space via a high-powered radio wave.

To contribute a message visit: www.bebo.com/amessagefromearth