An unique event aimed at teaching Pembrokeshire children important safety lessons as they get older is continuing to go from strength to strength.

Now in its 23rd year, ‘Crucial Crew’ is a week-long annual event aimed towards pupils in their last year of primary school - aged 10 to 11.

A wide range of agencies join together to provide workshops, talks and guidance on how to stay safe in different scenarios.

This year, more than 1,300 pupils participated in the event, from 48 different primary schools in the county.

‘Crucial Crew’ is co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit and sponsored by South Hook LNG. It takes place at Withybush Showground.

Clr. Rob Lewis, cabinet member for transportation, said he was very grateful to South Hook LNG for their support.

“This is a hugely important programme for children in Pembrokeshire, and without their sponsorship, it would not take place,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank the dedicated staff from the various organisations which take part for making the event such a success for local children.”

This year’s programme included workshops on a range of potentially dangerous scenarios and children practised how to escape from a mock house fire and jump safely from a bus, and other challenges. They also learnt basic first aid, how to stay safe online, and much more.

A number of children were also lucky enough to meet Rob Evans who plays rugby for Wales and the Scarlets, and attended Crucial Crew when he was a pupil at Spittal School.

All pupils received hi-vis vests and torches to help keep them safe when out and about - generously donated by South Hook LNG - as well as a variety of other items from all the participating agencies.

The organisations taking part were: Welsh Ambulance Service, PCC dog wardens, PCC domestic abuse, Dyfed-Powys Police, PCC food safety, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, PCC road safety, RNLI, PCC school transport, and Western Power Distribution.

Mariam Dalziel, public relations manager from South Hook LNG, said: “We are proud to be continuing our support of Crucial Crew, and the work of Pembrokeshire County Council and so many agencies in providing important safety advice to local children.”