CHILDREN at a primary school are being left with no excuse to feel lonely or left out at playtimes.

The 500-pupil Normanby Primary School, near Middlesbrough, has introduced a pioneering pals scheme.

Children in the school's top class have been trained in befriending and mentoring skills.

Youngsters known as 'Buddies' and wearing distinctive t-shirts are circulating around the school's three playgrounds at playtime, looking for any child feeling lonely. Each playground has a 'Buddies Bench', where children needing companionship can sit.

There are plans for eight and nine-year-olds to receive similar training to that undergone by the higher year.

Assistant headteacher Valerie Ashton has received specialised NSPCC training in setting up the scheme. She said: "The idea for the 'Buddies' scheme came from our school council, which was keen to improve playtimes for our 500 pupils.

"The aim is to develop social interaction and co-operation, between all age groups, having developed friendship from an early age.

"It is about improving play times. You hear all these things about bullying and the criticism that nothing is done about it. Happily, we don't have a bullying problem, but at least we have a system in place.''

The scheme will help development of social skills, Mrs Ashton said.

A £330 donation for the benches came from the North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op's community dividend grant scheme.

The children have also raised money by holding raffles and cake and toy stalls.