MORE than 1,000 children took part in a school safety event, aimed at helping them grow into responsible, caring young people.

The brainchild of former Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Ben Rouse, the three-day event earlier this month was attended by around 1,125 children from 38 primary schools.

The intention was to equip the children with the knowledge they need to make sensible decisions to keep themselves safe, both at home and while out and about.

Short, snappy presentations were given to the children by the police, fire service, ambulance service, and several other organisations including Southern Vectis, who provided transport for schools that would otherwise have been unable to attend.

The event was supported by local organisations and businesses including 1Leisure, Cowes Enterprise College and The Bay CE School, Sandown, all of which hosted the event.

Red Funnel provided free transport for the fire service's presentation truck, while Invictus Medical Services provided emergency medical support on the day.

The Military Preparation College and Police Cadets provided marshals for the event, and the High Sheriff's Trust provided funding.

Mr Rouse said: "I am enormously grateful to the organisations and businesses who supported this, and to all those involved in bringing the event to life ­— giving their time, services and expertise.

"We recognised the long-term value of passing these messages to children who are on the cusp of becoming more independent.

"We would be failing them, and our community, if we didn’t give them the tools to develop into responsible, caring citizens."

The event was attended by current Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Geoff Underwood, at Cowes Enterprise College, Isle of Wight Council chair Cllr George Cameron, at 1Leisure, and the council's cabinet member for education, children’s services and skills, Cllr Paul Brading, at The Bay CE School.

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