FORMER soccer stars have visited a primary school to help children in their fight against bullying.

Ex-Sunderland players Gary Bennett and Kieron Brady, both supporters of the Show Racism The Red Card campaign, visited Neville's Cross Primary School, in Durham City, to take part in the pupils' anti-bullying activities.

The school has introduced a variety of schemes to control bullying, and staff and pupils say they are determined to stamp it out altogether.

Among the projects under way is The Guardians group, year six children who keep an eye out for unhappy children and cheer them up either by finding someone for them to play with, or by taking them to see a teacher.

They also help with playtime equipment and give certificates each week to children who have demonstrated positive behaviour.

The school has also set up the Problem Busters group, children trained as mediators who arrange meetings to help sort out small quarrels.

During the anti-bullying day, the former Sunderland players announced the winners of poetry and poster competitions and handed out prizes.

The school also created a giant shield, which read Neville's Cross is Anti-Bullying, with children encouraged to sign a disc to show their support.

Year six pupil Anastasia Carver said: "This has been an excellent day. Everyone had fun while remembering the importance of stamping out all forms of bullying."