Professional counsellors have been sharing their expertise with sixth-form students at South Craven School in a bid to tackle bullying.

More than 100 students at the Cross Hills school benefited from the four-week training by representatives of the Children's Society. The students are members of ESCAPE (Everyone at South Craven Aims to Promote Equal opportunities) programme, set up last year.

The Escapees act as mentors to the younger pupils, in particular in the playground, where they can spot bullying and resolve minor issues as they arise.

They also work with the younger students in the computer rooms at lunch time, assisting in the library, mentoring a specific form group, providing support to vulnerable students, as well as assisting with faculty-based lessons. The training included listening skills, issues of confidentiality, communication and self-awareness.

Sixth-form teacher Angela Clarke said: "The contribution of Escapees to the school is highly valued and shows their commitment to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for everyone."

Pupils in the escapees' group taking part in a counselling course for bullying are Katie Harrison, Kirsty Ormerod, Caroline Smith, Richard Greenwood and Ginny Scholey, with Davina Colquitt from the Children's Society