TEN and 11 year olds from almost 30 primary schools in West Devon are having the time of their lives this week, taking part in an action-packed day at this year's Junior Life Skills event.

The children, all Year 6 pupils from both state and independent schools within the borough, will learn vital new skills to keep themselves and others safe, and how to be good citizens during their specially structured session, which is completely free for those taking part.

The event, running from September 4 to September 12, takes place at Okehampton Army Training Camp, where the children will be 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 will be taught how to cope in today's world. During their session each child will also receive a healthy snack, provided by Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society.

Junior Life Skills, organised by West Devon Borough Council and now in its 14th year, helps the youngsters to recognise danger, deal with emergencies and be socially responsible. The scenes will be 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 Terry Pearce said: 'Junior Life Skills is a challenge and great fun which is a perfect combination for children to learn some important messages.

'It's 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.'

As the event is free to the schools, it could not take place without the generous donations and support from the Manor House Hotel, Okehampton; Okehampton Educational Foundation; Rotary Club of Tavistock; Tavistock Lions; Plymouth & South West Co-operative Society; Antalis Ltd Paper Merchants; Devon NHS Primary Care Trust; Okehampton Town Council; Tavistock Town Council; and West Devon Borough Council.