TWENTY Year six pupils at St Mary's Primary School, Newton Aycliffe, have applied to be Buddies.

Buddies are a group of children who help younger children within their school.

Bullying is an awful thing that unfortunately happens to some children.

St Mary's does not have a problem with bullying, and we want to help keep it that way.

Mrs Taylor from the Anti-bullying Campaign visited the school to meet year six pupils and explained what a Buddy is, and how to apply to become one.

When you are a Buddy, it important that you do not gossip to other children about what you have seen or heard.

Buddies need to be polite, fair, funny, understanding, caring and friendly.

Buddies must also be able to look, respond, help, monitor, play, care and listen.

We asked our headteacher Mrs Dockray: "Why did you want the year sixes to be buddies?"

She replied: "Firstly, because I would like the year sixes to have responsibilities.

"Secondly, the dinner nannies and teachers need extra eyes.

Thirdly, children might prefer to talk to you, rather than to teachers.

"Finally, the year six pupils should set a good example."

We asked: "How did you find out about the Buddy scheme?"

Mrs Dockray said her friend had told her about it and she thought this scheme would be good for St Mary's.

We asked her: "Do you think the scheme will work the way you planned?

Mrs Dockray replied: "I hope it works, but if it doesn't I will try and make it better in every possible way."

By Leanne Howard,

Kirsty Murray,

Joanna Donnelly