PUPILS in St Helen’s Auckland celebrated friendship during an anti-bullying event at their school today.

Youngsters at St Helen’s Auckland Community Primary School ditched their uniforms, swapped toys, and taught each other new games during Friendship Friday.

The event, part of an ongoing anti-bullying campaign at the school, aims to promote friendship rather than focus on the negativity of bullying.

Parents and members of the community attended a special assembly this morning, and pupils took part in friendship and family based activities in the classroom.

Children paid 50p to swap unwanted toys with their classmates, and wore non-uniform, to raise money for the Save The Children charity.

Learning mentor Rachael Clark said: "It has been a very good day, which the children really enjoyed.

"We try to avoid using the word ‘bullying’ and focus on the positive aspect of friendship instead."