Hundreds of year six pupils (ages 10 and 11) from schools across the island have been learning important life skills at this year’s Crucial Crew event.

The community project, held at University College Isle of Man, reached a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

In the week-long event, there were interactive performances, presentations, workshops and demonstrations delivered by a range of organisations.

They included the police, fire ervice, coastguard, St John Ambulance, Manx Utilities, Manx Telecom, Bus Vannin, the road safety team and the Department of Health and Social Care’s school nursing service.

Topics covered during the sessions included road safety, online security, first aid, safety in the home and being a good citizen.

The emphasis was on providing potentially life-saving information that will stand participants in good stead for the rest of their lives, all delivered in a fun and engaging way.

An organising committee spokesman explained: ’Each year about 900 primary school pupils learn a wide range of valuable life lessons.

’We take a fun approach to getting across some serious messages.

’Since Crucial Crew started at Summerland in 1992, more than 20,000 children have benefited from the advice and guidance provided.

’Some of our earlier participants and presenters will now have children of their own who have also taken part in Crucial Crew.’