YEAR 6 children from almost 30 primary schools in West Devon will take part in an action-packed day teaching them vital life skills in September.

The 550 children taking part in the Junior Life Skills event 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 all children taking part.

Running from September 10 to September 14, the event 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 learn how to recognise potential danger, deal with emergencies and be socially responsible.

The scenarios are 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, Dartmoor Training Area and Landmarc Support Services, and the borough council's environmental, health and recycling departments.

West Devon mayor Cllr Robin Musgrave said: 'This is a fantastic event which is challenging, yet fun, and we all know that children learn far more from such hands-on and practical activities that they will be undertaking.'

Now in its 18th year, Junior Life Skills is organised by West Devon Borough Council, and relies on generous donations and support from a number of local bodies to take place.

Those supporting the event include Okehampton Educational Foundation, NHS Devon, the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels, Okehampton Town Council, Tavistock Town Council, Lions Clubs of Okehampton and Tavistock, Rotary Club of Tavistock, Technology Retail and Services, TRC and Training Ltd, Okehampton College and local volunteers.

Contributors towards the event are always welcome.

To find out how to become involved with Junior Life Skills, please contact West Devon Borough Council's environmental health department.