ALMOST 600 children from primary schools across West Devon took part last week in an adventure, that hopefully, they will never forget. The 10 and 11-year-olds learned new skills that could one day help to keep themselves safe and even save the lives of others. West Devon Junior Life Skills 2006 took place at Okehampton Army Training Camp where pupils faced nine different simulated scenarios, under the supervision of trained instructors. The week long event, which was organised by West Devon Borough Council and now in its twelfth year, helped the youngsters to recognise danger and deal with emergencies. The scenes were set by Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon County Council road safety team, Devon Youth Association, Devon Fire and Rescue Service, school nurses, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and West Devon's environmental health and recycling departments. West Devon mayor Cllr Ken Williams said: ?Junior Life Skills was a challenge and great fun which was 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 more clear understanding of the role of the police and emergency services.? Among those supporting the event were the Manor House Hotel in Okehampton, the Okehampton United Educational Foundation, Plymouth and South West Devon Co-operative Society, James McNaughton Paper Merchants Ltd, South Hams and West Devon NHS Primary Care Trust, Mid Devon NHS Primary Care Trust, Okehampton Town Council, Tavistock Town Council and West Devon Borough Council.
