A SCHOOL in north Durham has been given an award for its anti-bullying strategy for the fourth year in a row.

Stanley School of Technology impressed judges and secured the Anti-Bullying Accreditation Award.

Students from the peer support group known as the BWC (Because We Care) performed a play called The Human Touch.

They also showed posters around the school and displayed stories, poetry, games and IT work produced by students who supported the school ethos of zero tolerance towards bullying.

Headteacher Janet Bridges said: "We are delighted to achieve this again.

"Anyone attending Stanley School of Technology can be assured we take bullying and support for all children very seriously."

The award came two days after year six parents were reassured of the commitment of the school to provide children with a safe and secure learning environment.

Parents watched the BWC play and met the school's anti-bullying co-ordinator. Val McFarlane, co-ordinator of County Durham Anti-Bullying service, asked Don Sweeney, healthy schools co-ordinator in Gateshead, and Daniel McVeigh, North-East and Yorkshire officer from Childline, to observe some of the successful strategies being used in the school.

Mr Sweeney hopes to use the experience of the visit and a portfolio on the school to inspire the launch of the accreditation scheme in Gateshead.

Dan McVeigh said he "took away exciting ideas to share with colleagues at Childline after an interesting day".