A LISTENING post set up for pupils with problems has proved a success at Sedgefield Community College.

Talkabout - run by eight volunteer students, known as peer supporters', began more than a year ago as a confidential listening service.

Younger students can go and talk about anything and information is only ever passed on to a support teacher when students could be in danger.

Each peer supporter has been trained in handling different issues.

The majority of students who visit Talkabout are in year seven. It is often hard for them to fit in when they move to a school they do not know.

They tend to feel a lot more comfortable knowing there are older students who they can talk to and who understand how the school works.

Although bullying is not a big problem at the school, it is hoped that the listening post will reduce it even more.

Parents have also shown their support for the scheme and say they feel more relaxed knowing there is someone their children can go to if they have problems.

The students have been supported by the Connextions County Durham peer support co-ordinator, Judith Bowman, and trained by Durham County Council Anti-Bullying Service.

"The valuable listening post has boosted the confidence of all the pupils involved," said peer supporter Emily King.