ALMOST 600 children from throughout West Devon will receive life-saving training at a special event held near Okehampton this week.
West Devon Junior Life Skills 2001 is being staged at Okehampton Army Training Camp from today (Thursday) until next Friday (September 14).
The ten and eleven-year-olds from 27 primary schools in West Devon will be faced with ten different simulated scenarios which they might encounter in real life and, helped by trained experts, they will be taught how to cope.
The youngsters will also learn to recognise danger and how to deal with emergencies.
Many organisations are taking part in the event, including the Arny, Devon and Cornwall Police, the road safety department of the county council, Devon Fire and Rescue and health visitors.
Sponsorship has been received from Tavistock Lions and Waitrose, as well as the two health authorities which cover the borough and the West Devon Community Safety Partnership.
Pupils from each of the primary schools have been allotted a two and a half hour life skills session in either the morning or afternoon in the week ahead.
The event is organised by West Devon Borough Council.
Nick Payne, the borough's environmental services officer, said: 'Junior Life Skills is a challenge, and it's also great fun which is a perfect way for children to learn some important messages.
'It's important to teach children how to avoid becoming victims and to learn how to be good citizens. They also have a clearer understanding of the role of the police and emergency services.'
The event has been extended to cover seven working days this year due to its growing popularity.