PUPILS have been recognised for giving up their spare time to help others.

Three groups of friends at Tudhoe Grange School, in Spennymoor, won Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour thanks to their achievements outside the classroom.

Fab, its Fighting Against Bullying support group, was launched three years ago by six Year 11 students after they heard about similar schemes in other schools.

They hold confidential drop-in sessions every Tuesday and Thursday for pupils who feel bullied to talk about their problems in confidence.

Member Lindsey Phillips said: "This award is really good because it recognises that we have been able to make school a happier place for these pupils."

First-aiders Kaylee Watson, 16, Katherine Fell, 14, Becky Warren, 13, and Michael Evans, 16, won a volunteer's award as members of the St John Ambulance Cadets Spennymoor Unit.

They were also named joint runners-up in a national schools first aid contest.

And best friends Michelle Cant and Lisa Crick, both 15, picked up a similar award for the many hours they have spent as voluntary carers in Craigarran Nursing Home, in Trimdon.

The pair visit elderly residents, help them at dinnertime and make the beds.