A DURHAM primary school is hoping to win recognition - for a fourth year in a row - for its efforts to stamp out bullying.

Neville's Cross Primary School is looking to renew its Anti-Bullying Accreditation from Durham County Council's education service.

As part of the effort, pupils have taken part in a two-week programme of role-play and drama to help explore the outlook of a bully, a witness and, more importantly, a victim.

The school says the fight against bullying is an integral part of everyday school life.

It operates a guardian system, with appointed year six pupils taking on the role of "angels" during the recreational periods.

They are taught to recognise different emotions shown by bullying victims and identify anyone that may need confidential assistance.

Reception class teacher Rachel Brannan said: "We really hope our application this year will see us accredited for the fourth consecutive year.

"We believe that unless time is taken to raise awareness of bullying issues, and how to avoid incidents, bullying can begin to be part of school life.

"At Neville's Cross, we are proud to say that our children know bullying is wrong and we hope this message will pass to future generations. We hope we can make them aware of the effect bullying has on people and not to be influenced by peer pressure and join in.

"It also gives them first-hand experience of the trauma bullying can cause, not only to the individual but the whole family."