CARING teenagers have joined forces to stamp out bullying in their school.

Ear To Help is a group of 16 pupils at Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland, who have volunteered to run a support group for victims of bullying.

With guidance and training from Alex Dobson, an anti-bullying project worker funded through the European Social Fund, they launched the support group two weeks ago.

They hold regular sessions and meet Miss Dobson each Friday for support themselves, so they do not become stressed by the work.

Miss Dobson said: "They do great work in school and we want other pupils to know who they are and where to turn if they are being bullied.

"I have worked in many secondary and special schools in the county to start similar projects, because it is important youngsters have someone approachable to talk to."

Some of the volunteers have been bullied themselves and volunteered for the scheme because they feel it is often easier to talk to peers than a teacher or parent.

Kaylee Furnell, 14, said: "Some people are more vulnerable to bullies and I didn't want them to be picked on.

"I hope they can feel they can talk to one of us, in confidence, and face the problem."

Charlene Kipling, also 14, said: "I don't want people to suffer at the hands of bullies. It can be hard to talk to older people, but we will all understand what bullying feels like and hopefully they will feel comfortable talking to us and asking for help."

Members of the group are available at lunchtimes, Monday to Thursday.