STAFF from clothing store Mark One, in Bishop Auckland, took a stand against bullying for a national Beatbullying campaign.

Beatbullying is the UK's leading anti-bullying charity and UK's charity of the year.

It aims to make bullying unacceptable and the campaign will raise funds for its programmes.

The charity's Big Stand took place last Friday at Mark One stores nationwide.

Bishop Auckland's store, in Newgate Street, invited pupils from St John's Catholic School, Copeland Road Primary School, and Oakley Cross Primary School.

They wore brightly-coloured Beatbullying t-shirts, which are on sale for £6. Rachel Chapman, deputy manager, said: "All the staff and school pupils had a really good time. We enjoy supporting such a good cause and are hoping to do it again later on in the year."

Emma-Jane Cross, chief executive of Beatbullying, said: "The funds raised from the sale of these items will allow Beatbullying to continue to help thousands of young people.

"If you are against bullying, and I know all of us are, go out and support us by buying a t-shirt. Just one vest will make a huge difference to our work with young people whose lives have been devastated by bullying."

For more information, visit www.beatbullying.org/fashion