WITH his pierced skin and head-to-toe body decorations, he is an unlikely role model for children.

But schools across Teesside have been embracing the message of a tattooed American.

Known simply as The Scary Guy, the 51-year-old has been visiting schools across the area preaching respect and harmony.

Yesterday, he was telling pupils at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, in Hartlepool, about his unique approach to tackling prejudice.

He said: "When I was 43, I had a sudden realisation that I'd spent the whole of my life being cynical and negative.

"Right there and then I told my wife I was going to go out and try to preach a positive ethos. That's what we've been doing for the past seven years."

His advice to youngsters includes a seven-day plan in which they promise not to say anything negative about another person for a week.

The Scary Guy said: "So many of the world's problems are caused purely out of people not being able to apologise. We want to empower the kids to go out and tell this message to the adults."

For more information visit www.thescaryguy.com