AN anti-bullying service has won praise from children's rights campaigner and ChildLine leader Esther Rantzen.

The Durham County Council-run service, which is pre-paring for its third annual Happier in School week, from Monday to Friday, has received a letter of support from the TV personality.

She writes: "I am so pleased to see a local authority being so innovative and showing that they care about bullying and want to do everything they can to prevent it.

"I was delighted to hear that County Durham education department has its own anti-bullying service.

"ChildLine receives so many calls from children who are bullied, and schools need to be aware of the many different types of bullying and how to deal with individual cases.

"The annual Happier in School week encourages children to be open about the issue, to speak up and not to be afraid to admit there is a problem.

"Parents can also find out where to get help, and teachers and other professionals can learn about the strategies available to assist both children who are bullied and children who bully."

In previous years, thousands of children from all over the county have attended the exhibition, at County Hall, Durham.

Along with teachers, parents and agency professionals, they have taken part in anti-bullying activities.

The week also provides an opportunity for children who have been trained as secondary school Peer Supporters or primary school Buddies and Mini-Buds to meet up and share experiences.

During this year's event, Peer Supporters will again set up their own anti-bullying telephone helpline, on 0191-383 4367, which will be open daily from 10am to 4pm.

They will take calls from children, parents and teachers and send out Kidscape advice packs on bullying.

Val McFarlane, the council's anti-bullying service co-ordinator, said: "To have the backing of someone with the experience and knowledge of Esther Rantzen is a massive boost for everyone involved.

"Happier in School week gives us all a chance to show what we have achieved and to learn from each other, so we can continue to improve the service."