AFTER nearly two decades of helping children in West Devon learn how to stay safe and be good citizens, Adey Hutchins, the coordinator of Junior Life Skills has retired.

The popular schools' event was launched in 1995 by West Devon Borough Council to help teach ten and 11-year-olds how to keep themselves and others safe and how to be socially responsible.

This year saw more than 500 schoolchildren take part from September 9 to 13 when the event moved from Okehampton Training Camp to Tavistock Town Hall and Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton for the first time.

At each session the children faced nine different simulated scenarios, each of which they may encounter in real life.

The scenarios were set by Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon County Council Safe and Sustainable Travel Team, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, British Red Cross, Dog's Trust and West Devon's environmental health, and recycling departments.

Adey Hutchins has been involved with Junior Life Skills from the beginning, when she worked for British Gas teaching the school children about gas safety but she soon took over the running of the whole event, on behalf of the council.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the borough council's community services chair, said: 'We are very fortunate to have had someone like Adey to spearhead this worthwhile project.

'It is reassuring to know that generations of children in West Devon have been taught such important skills to help equip them for the next stage of their lives.'

Junior Life Skills could not take place without the generous donations and support from a host of organisations and charities. The event is set to continue next year if funding is available.

If any local businesses or organisations would like to get involved contact West Devon Borough Council's environmental health department on 01822 813600 or email [email protected]">[email protected]