EDUCATION authorities across the country are queuing up to tap into Durham County Council's anti-bullying expertise.

More than a dozen local education authorities have asked to take part in a conference, to be opened by Esther Rantzen, chairwoman of ChildLine, at the Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on July 6.

The event will look at council's approach to reducing bullying in schools and highlight the work carried out in County Durham.

Pupils, teachers and parents will also be explaining the effects of bullying and the differences the service can make in a school.

The service was set up in 1992 as part of Durham County Council's education psychology service. It has 16 staff in primary and secondary schools.

Its work includes buddy training, peer support, mediation training and supervision, individual support for victims and those who bully, staff training and advising schools on anti-bullying policies.

Supported by ChildLine, the service has introduced an anti-bullying accreditation scheme, which is awarded to any school that meets set criteria.

Project co-ordinator, Viv McFarlane said: "We are regularly contacted by other education authorities for information, strategies and advice."

The conference is open to anyone working with young people, including social and health workers and school governors.