'Beast' coaster bellies up top prize

New York -- A Washington state 10-year-old designed the "Belly of the Beast" roller coaster and emerged $10,000 richer.

Ian Culhane, of Olympia, Wash., was the grand prize winner in the 2008 K'Nexpert Search, receiving a $!0,000 U.S. savings bond for his 7-foot tall, 6,500-piece creation, K'Nex said in a release. The "Belly of the Beast" roller coaster was on display in New York, where Culhane received his prize.

"Belly of the Beast," featuring an attached dragon-like creature, traveled cross-country from Culhane's home to New York intact.

Culhane said he plans to use his winnings to help pay for college.

Nine other contestants each received a $1,000 savings bond.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.