FORMER Newcastle United and England footballer Peter Beardsley is backing an anti-bullying initiative.

Happier in School Week, which runs from July 11 to 18, is being organised by the County Durham Anti-Bullying Service, in the county council's education department.

The council is recognised as one of the leading authorities in the country for tackling bullying in schools and is one of the few to have its own anti-bullying service.

Last year's inaugural event attracted thousands of pupils from across the county, and this year's event is expected to be even more successful.

It will provide children, teachers and parents with information about how to tackle bullying and support services that are available.

It will include a helpline staffed by older children who have been trained through a peer support service and who offer support and information about bullying.

Activities will include video shoots, interactive CD-ROM sessions, poster making, circle time sessions and games.

Mr Beardsley will visit County Hall, in Durham City, on July 12 to talk to youngsters taking part in the event.

Val McFarlane, anti-bullying service co-ordinator, said: "It is fantastic that a local sporting hero like Peter Beardsley is to support this event in person. I am sure he will have a great time meeting the children."

The Anti-Bullying Service has already achieved considerable success at schools throughout the county.

Many primary schools have introduced buddy schemes, while many secondary school pupils have been trained as peer supporters.