STAFF and pupils at an Old Town school have been recognised for their anti-bullying efforts.

King William Street CE Primary School received the Anti-Bullying Quality Mark's Bronze Award

The quality mark is a national scheme which challenges schools to set up effective and sustainable anti-bullying policies and strategies and make them part of their everyday life.

Vicky Plested is the school's deputy headteacher and the leader of the anti-bullying scheme.

She said: "We're all very proud of this, it's been a lot of hard work and a real team effort pver the last four years.

"I lead the scheme but it's all been possible with the help of the governors and parents who were part of the steering group that ensure our school is a great place to be."

One part of the scheme has proved to be particularly effective.

Vicky added: "The year five and six pupils who are our peer mediators have been wonderful.

"We trained them to help them understand how to manage confrontations, use friendly language, and listen to both sides.

"Then they went out on both playgrounds and sorted out little arguments and falling-outs that kids often have.

"They wear jackets with a logo designed by other pupils so their classmates know who to go to when they need help.

"If the mediators don't know how to resolve the situation, they go straight to the teachers for advice."

"We've also done a lot of e-safety workshops with parents to help them know how to keep their kids safe online.

"Bullying has not been a big problem at this school, we help our pupils learn how to be good citizens, which will benefit them when they leave us.

"We're working towards the next awards over the next year and have already done some of the criteria for the Silver award.

Headteacher Margaret Clark was also delighted to receive the award.

She said: "We would like to congratulate Mrs Vicky Plested for her leadership of anti-bullying in the school, as well as her colleagues, the governors, pupils and parents for their hard work.

"Staff, students and parents and governors demonstrated that anti-bullying is whole school priority in which they all play an active role.

"Pupils are actively involved in the development of anti-bullying in the school.

"As a result of their work, the school has established a range of approaches to make sure that students feel safe and comfortable.

"We hope that the bronze award recognizes their efforts and inspires them to work towards the silver level.