AN anti-bullying expert is to head a North-East drive to stem the problem, particularly involving young people.

Val McFarlane, Durham County Council's anti-bullying service team manager, has been appointed one of nine regional co-ordinators by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) to put into practice a national programme.

Ms McFarlane, who has been with the county council for five years, will combine her role in the region with her existing work in Durham.

"As a regional co-ordinator, I'll be able to explore good practice and identify areas of need in the region and demonstrate County Durham's approach as a leading authority on anti-bullying initiatives.

"Our work will be very young person focused. The aim is to establish a regional anti-bullying network, to ensure that national resources are available regionally.

"Ultimately, we'll be looking to see that all young people in the region have access to the best anti-bullying services and be able to realise their full educational potential."

Education Minister Ivan Lewis launched the ABA in July to work with teachers, schools and education authorities to promote anti-bullying best practice.

It is also aimed at developing practical approaches to tackling bullying, to provide support for parents in severe cases of bullying, to develop and oversee anti-bullying resources and run an annual anti-bullying week of events and activities in schools across England.

Durham's efforts to beat bullying, under Ms McFarlane's stewardship, has earned the commendation of children's champion and television presenter Esther Rantzen.