A powerful campaign that aims to help children to recognise the impact of bullying and how to deal with it was launched yesterday.

Muscle-man Dave Gouder went to Wensleydale School in Leyburn and Risedale College in Catterick Garrison yesterday showing his strength by pulling a bus across the car park.

Richmondshire youth action officer PC Gary Lewis said many of the youngsters were impressed by the display but puzzled at first by its prupose

But Mr Gouder's show of strength is followed by a powerful talk in which he confesses that he was the victim of bullies at school.

PC Lewis said: "He talks to the students very sincerely and vividly about his own experiences when he was a child and argues very persuasively that the way to beat the bullies is through confidence and communication based on support.

"People think that strongmen like Dave will tell them to work out and build up massive strength like him but, actually, he is all about mental strength and personal confidence.''

The tour continues today when Mr Gouder calls at Richmond School and the neighbouring St Francis Xavier School on the town's Darlington Road.

Each school has paid a contribution towards the cost, although the new scheme has been largely paid for through a grant from the Safer Communities Scheme.

Richmond's King's Head Hotel has supported the project by providing accommodation while Abbots of Leeming supplied the coach for the demonstrations.

PC Lewis added: "This isn't a one-off. The campaign will continue after Dave has gone and we will keep up the new partnerships between the police, parents and other local organisations.

"All the schools involved already have effective anti-bullying policies but what we hope to stress is that children have a choice if they become a victim.

They can talk to their teacher, they can talk to me, perhaps a social worker, they can talk to their parents, a friend, mentor or even an ex-bully.

New ideas are also welcome and anyone who would like to contribute can contact PC Lewis on (01609) 789342.