A ROADSHOW to improve young people’s perception of how they look has been launched at a school in the North-East.

Students from North Durham Academy in Stanley, County Durham, will spend the week working with the Friendly Development Charity on its Beautiful is... initiative.

The positive body image road show is thought to be the first of its kind in the region.

The aim is increase pupils’ confidence in their own bodies through fun and interactive assemblies as well as focused workshops.

There will also be competitions and opportunities to get involved with the campaign.

Emma Oliver, founder and chief executive of the Friendly Development Charity, said: “According to the national Be Real Campaign, a third of children say they often worry about the way they look and appearance in the largest cause of bullying in schools. These figures do not improve as we become adults.

“Eighty-three per cent say they too do not feel confident about their body.”

Mrs Oliver said the pressures young people under about their appearance can go on to affect their self esteem, health, aspirations and education.

The road show has been two years in the making and received almost £10,000 funding for the pilot scheme from the Big Lottery.

If it proves successfully it is hoped the scheme will be rolled out to more schools, locally and then nationally.

Mrs Oliver said: “It has been really good so far and we have had a lot of positive feedback.”

For more information and to arrange to visit the roadshow log on to friendlydevelopment.co.uk