TEN and 11-year-olds from nearly 30 primary schools in West Devon had the time of their lives when they took part in an action-packed session they'll never forget at the Junior Life Skills event last week.

The 550 children, all Year 6 pupils from primary schools within the borough, learned vital new skills to keep themselves and others safe.

They also learned how to be good citizens during their specially structured session, which was completely free for those taking part.

The event took place at Okehampton Army Training Camp, where the children were faced with nine different simulated scenarios, each of which they may encounter in real life.

With the help of trained experts at each scenario, they learned how to recognise potential danger, deal with emergencies and be socially responsible.

Junior Life Skills, now in its 17th year, is organised by West Devon Borough Council.

The scenarios were set by Devon and Cornwall Police; Devon County Council Road Safety Team; Devon & 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 Donald Horn said: 'Junior Life Skills is a challenge and great fun which is a perfect combination for children to learn some important messages.

'It is important to teach children how to avoid becoming victims, how to look after themselves and to learn how to be good citizens.

'They also have a clearer understanding of the role of the police and other emergency services.

'I attended the event last year and I was really impressed as the children were so eager to take part.'

As the event was completely free to the schools, it could not take place without the generous donations and support from NHS Devon; Okehampton Educational Foundation; the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels; Okehampton Town Council; Tavistock Town Council; Lions Clubs of Okehampton and Tavistock; Rotary Club of Tavistock; The Co-operative; Kevin Cooper; Antalis McNaughton Ltd Paper Merchants; Kelly College; Okehampton College as well as West Devon Borough Council.

Contributors towards this very worthwhile event are always welcome.

If any businesses or organisations would like to become involved with Junior Life Skills, please contact West Devon Borough Council's Environmental Health Department.