YOUNGSTERS are comparing notes on beating bullies as part of an annual event this week.

Representatives from schools across County Durham are meeting at County Hall, Durham, for the third annual Happier in Schools week.

Aimed at raising the profile of Durham County Council's anti-bullying service and stopping bullying in schools, the event is backed by children's rights campaigner and ChildLine chairwoman Esther Rantzen.

The event involves teachers, parents, anti-bullying service staff and pupils taking part in activities such as poster making, video shoots, group discussions, dancing and drama.

Young people who have been trained as peer supporters are using their experience to run an anti-bullying telephone helpline, enabling people to discuss bullying problems and receive a Kidscape advice pack.

Val McFarlane, the council's anti-bullying service coordinator, said: "We have a Happier in Schools week every year at the end of term and it involves children from schools that have different schemes going on coming together and sharing good practice.

"It's also a celebration of the work being undertaken by our service, and an event like this enables children to speak up."

The anti-bullying service operates in all secondary and special schools, and most primary schools. Ms McFarlane said she hopes to extend it to all primary schools by the end of the year.

She said Happier in Schools week was an important part of this. "We will probably get an increase in the number of recorded incidents of bullying but we see that as a positive sign because people are becoming aware of it," she said.

The helpline, on 0191-383 4367, is open every day except Wednesdays