MASTER chef Peter Gorton, from the Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy, cut a special cake to mark the 15th anniversary of Junior Life Skills in West Devon this month.

The event started 15 years ago this September with just over 200 children. This year, more than 630 children, aged 10 and 11, will participate — the highest number ever attending, and all the 29 primary schools across the borough will be taking part.

The Year 6 children spend a half-day of fun and action as they learn vital new skills to keep themselves and others safe, and how to become good citizens.

The event started on Monday and runs until September 15 at Okehampton Army Training Camp, where the children are facing nine different simulated scenarios, each of which they may encounter in real life. With the help of trained experts at each scenario, they will learn how to recognise potential danger, deal with emergencies and be socially responsible.

Junior Life Skills is organised by West Devon Borough Council and the scenarios will be set by Devon and Cornwall Police; Devon County Council Road Safety Team; Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service; RNLI; British Red Cross; Dartmoor Training Area (Army) and Landmarc Support Services; and West Devon's Environmental Health, and Recycling Departments.

West Devon mayor Cllr Alison Clish-Green said: 'Junior Life Skills is a challenge for the children, and great fun. It's important to teach children how to avoid becoming victims, how to look after themselves and how to be good citizens. They will also have a clearer understanding of the role of the emergency services after their visit.

'I would like to thank all the schools, organisations, companies and charities that have supported Junior Life Skills.'

The event is free to the schools, and takes place thanks to donations and support from the Manor House Hotel, Okehampton; Okehampton Educational Foundation; Lions Club of Tavistock; Rotary Club of Tavistock; Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society; Antalis Ltd Paper Merchants; Lidl Ltd; Kelly College; Devon NHS Primary Care Trust; Okehampton College; Okehampton Town Council; Tavistock Town Council; and West Devon Borough Council.