AN EDUCATION scheme in the Scottish Borders has celebrated its 25th anniversary this month, with organisers hailing its resounding success over the years.

Crucial Crew was established at Springwood Park, Kelso, way back in 1993 and helps teach primary pupils about road and home safety, drugs and alcohol.

It’s estimated that over 25,000 youngsters have attended the interactive workshops since its founding, with the people behind the scheme delighted by the positive impact it has had on children’s lives.

Councillor Watson McAteer, who helped organise the first Crucial Crew event during his time as a local police chief inspector, said: “Crucial Crew arrived in the Borders 25 years ago and since then thousands of children, many of whom are now adults with families, are leading safer lives.

“The event provides a practical and enjoyable way of understanding and addressing a wide range of safety risks.

"This unique experience will equip them to deal with the daily hazards we all face during our life-time.”

Another to have been involved since the start of Crucial Crew is local BT engineer Gordon Simpson.

Gordon said: “BT Scotland is proud to have supported the Borders Crucial Crew events over the last 25 years, helping young pupils to learn about making emergency calls and also about keeping themselves safe online.

“I have been installing the telephony kit since the very first Crucial Crew event 25 years ago and it is great to see it going from strength to strength.

“The kids love learning how to make emergency calls in a variety of stressful situations and it really makes them think about staying safe and helping others.”

Crucial Crew is set to celebrate its 25 years with a total of 1,200 primary seven pupils from all 63 Borders primary schools taking part in a series of workshops at Eildon Mill in Tweedbank over the next fortnight.