AN anti-bullying drive in County Durham schools is proving so successful it is set to be followed by other education authorities.

The pioneering scheme which includes a kitemark, is the brainchild of Durham County Council's anti-bullying service. The kitemark is awarded annually to schools that prove they are tackling the problem.

Backed by the children's charity ChildLine, it has also won the support of the NSPCC.

Now the service is to run a training day to show how the scheme operates for education staff from all parts of the region.

Before gaining accreditation, schools have to show that staff and pupils meet regularly to discuss bullying and show that their anti-bullying policy is reviewed annually.

They must also confirm that they have a peer support scheme and parent information service, illustrate that staff are trained regularly on strategies to combat bullying and show that they hold an annual anti-bullying awareness event.

Val McFarlane, the scheme's co-ordinator for the county council and the region, said: "Schools are carefully monitored to ensure they meet these requirements. They submit their evidence and a panel of professionals, including police, child health officials, Healthy Schools, ChildLine and NSPCC staff, examine it and visit the school to talk to young people and staff.

"Not all are successful, but schools assist each other to reach the required level through sharing good practice."

So far, 40 secondary and primary schools in the county have been accredited with certificates, awarded by Esther Rantzen of ChildLine.

Richard Coombes, head teacher at Ebchester Primary School, said: "There are lots of quality marks for schools, but I firmly believe that this accreditation is the most important.

"Because it is awarded annually, it keeps our school firmly focused on bullying issues and we can never become complacent.

"The award also enables us to tell parents that we give the welfare of their child our full priority."

John Stead, of the NSPCC, said that many other schools in the region which are also tackling bullying, are looking at the kitemark system.