North Devon schoolchildren learn about the vital work of the region’s community heroes

Children from two South Molton primary schools have been learning all about North Devon's community heroes at a special event.

The year 5 pupils from South Molton Community Primary School and South Molton United Church of England Primary School took part in Our Community Heroes in the week before the end of term.

The event was organised by North Devon Council in partnership with One South Molton and South Molton Town Council.

Representatives from Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI and HM Coastguard, and Exmoor Search and Rescue all attended South Molton Pannier Market, where the children were able to get a closer look at their response vehicles and equipment and find out more about what each service does.

Above: Exmoor Search and Rescue demonstrate casualty care to a group of interested South Molton schoolchildren and (below) Pupils from two South Molton primary schools had the opportunity to find out more about the work of the emergency and rescue services at the event. Credit: NDC

The pupils also learned about the services provided by the district and town councils, took part in fun budgeting exercises and talked about what was important to them in their community.

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Lennon Hall from South Molton Community Primary School and Isabelle Stanley from South Molton United Church of England Primary School were announced as the winners of a competition to design a poster for the day, which took place prior to the event.

The pair got to see their striking designs on full display in the market, as well as on bookmarks that were given to all those who took part on the day.

Above: Lennon Hall and Isabelle Stanley with their winning designs for a Community Heroes poster competition. Credit: NDC

The entries were judged by chair of North Devon Council, Councillor Helen Walker and the Mayor of South Molton, Councillor Wayne Martin, with both attending the event which was compered by Lucy Mills.

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Cllr Walker said: “It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and curiosity from the young people taking part and we hope the event has not only given them a better understanding and appreciation of the work of our community heroes, but inspired them to become one in the future.

“I would like to thank all of the responders who attended, as well as everyone who helped make it such a special event. It was a great example of how working together can provide incredible learning experiences for our young people.”

Credit: NDC

Local schools interested in taking part in a community engagement event can find out more by emailing the council at memberservices@northdevon.gov.uk