A SHOULDER to cry on is being

provided by sixth formers at an Ilkley school in a scheme designed to stamp out bullying.

Students at Ilkley Grammar School are giving up their lunch times to ensure younger children facing difficulties can turn to a friendly face.

The Peer Counselling Scheme was re-established in the school by Maureen Shackleton, deputy head teacher.

She said: "It is someone to listen and support the pupils.

"We do not do it because we have so many bullies in school. It makes for a caring school, where we support each other.

"It also provides new skills for the sixth formers and good role models for the lower school."

Mrs Shackleton found many volunteers willing to give up their time to help youngsters facing tough issues, such as bullying.

More than 80 students underwent a training session, run by Ann Cossavella and Sharmian Hobbs, the schools' psychologists.

Many went on to take turns manning a special room in the lower school, where youngsters can safely confide their troubles.

Mrs Shackleton said: "It is going quite well. It is not only about bullying. It is about problem solving.

"It is good to have someone other than a teacher to confide in.

"They can go along and say, 'my friend's fallen out with me,' to someone who understands."

It is hoped that speaking to a fellow pupil will also break the wall of silence, which accompanies many incidents of bullying.

Mrs Shackleton said: "It gets children talking. There is a culture in many schools where grassing is the worst crime you can commit.

"If you can talk you can relieve things if you don't you can't."

If any more serious or threatening issues come to light the sixth formers are briefed to pass the problem to a member of staff.

Mrs Shackleton said: "We have definite parameters. They cannot deal with anything that gets too dangerous.

"If they believe a child is at risk of harm they have to refer it back to a member of staff."

Kirsty Graham, 17, a pupil taking part in the scheme, said: "I have got a younger sister, who has experienced bullying, so I know what she was going through.

"People experiencing problems might not necessarily want to go to a teache. They can come to us because we have been there."

Kirsty, of Ilkley, who wants to study psychology at university, said she believed the scheme was already having positive results.

She said: "You feel really good when they come back and say it has helped. I have had a couple of Christmas cards saying thank you."