A SCHEME in County Durham that recruits children as young as six for school anti-bullying patrols is being extended across the country.

Although there has been a rise in the number of reports of bullying since the "Mini-Buds" scheme was set up, education chiefs say this is down to pupils feeling more confident about reporting incidents.

Val MacFarlane, of Durham County Council's anti-bullying unit, said: "There is no suggestion that playground bullying is on the increase, but schemes like the Mini-Buds have made children feel more secure and confident in reporting things that make them unhappy.

"We are delighted with the success of the Mini-Buds and have been flooded with inquiries from other local education authorities around the country who want to set up Mini-Buds in their schools."

Pupils are trained to act as teachers' eyes and ears in the playground.

The initiative began in a handful of primary schools in County Durham, and is now going nationwide.

It has already helped stamp out bullying among older children.

Anti-bullying experts have trained youngsters in the schools in how to spot if a pupil is being bullied or excluded from playground games.