AN anti-bullying campaign in County Durham schools is proving so successful it will be taken up by other education authorities.

The campaign, which is the brainchild of Durham County Council's anti-bullying service, is awarded annually to schools that prove they are tackling the problem.

Backed by the children's charity ChildLine, the county's service has also won the support of the NSPCC.

Staff are to run a training day to show how the scheme operates for teachers across the region.

Before gaining accreditation, schools must show that staff and pupils meet regularly to discuss bullying and show that their anti-bullying policy is reviewed annually.

Schools must also confirm that they have a peer support scheme and parent information service, illustrate that staff are trained regularly on anti-bullying strategies and show that they hold an annual anti-bullying awareness event.

Val McFarlane, anti-bullying co-ordinator, said: "Schools are carefully monitored to ensure they meet these requirements.

"They submit their evidence and a panel of professionals, including police, child health, healthy schools, ChildLine and NSPCC staff, examine it and visit the school to talk to young people and staff.

"Not all are successful, but schools help each other reach the required level through sharing good practice."

So far, 40 secondary and primary schools in the county have been accredited with certificates, awarded by Esther Rantzen of ChildLine.

Richard Coombes, headteacher at Ebchester Primary School, said: "There are lots of quality marks for schools, but I firmly believe that this accreditation is the most important.

"Because it is awarded annually, it keeps our school firmly focused on bullying issues and we can never become complacent.

"The award also enables us to tell parents that we give the welfare of their child our full priority.''

NSPCC spokesman John Stead said: "Our research has shown the scale of bullying to children and young people and the impact on their lives."

He said that many other schools in the region are looking at the kitemark system.