IT'S fun, it's free and it could help save lives! Ten and 11-year-olds from almost 30 primary schools in West Devon will have the time of their lives when they take part in an action-packed session at the Junior Life Skills event this month.

The 550 children, all Year 6 pupils from primary schools within the borough, will learn vital new skills to keep themselves and others safe. They will also learn how to be good citizens during their specially structured session, which is completely free for those taking part. 

Running from September 12 to 16, the event takes place at Okehampton Army Training Camp, where the children will face 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, now in its 17th year, 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 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'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. I attended the event last year and I was really impressed as the children were so eager to take part.'

As the event is 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 worthwhile event are always welcome. If any local businesses or organisations would like to become involved with Junior Life Skills, contact West Devon Borough Council's environmental health department.