Pupils from across Wiltshire gathered to take a stand against bullying in a regional training day at John Bentley Academy in Calne.

Nine different schools, including John Bentley, took part in the event organised by anti-bullying experts from the Diana Award charity.

The charity, which was founded in 1999, offered training and practical advice on how to tackle physical, verbal and online bullying in schools.

Pupils explored the issue of bullying through creative workshops, activities and video clips, and spoke to children from other schools about their experiences.

Teachers from Cherhill Primary School decided to take three year six pupils and two year five pupils to the event last week for the first time after seeing it advertised.

Teaching assistant Paula Norris said: “We just thought it was really important to get the kids involved. Although we’re aware of it, we need to get the children trained up.

“It’s all right for the teachers to know what to do, but to give the children a role is important for them and it also boosts their confidence.

“We watched a lot of video clips – some were quite hard-hitting and some were quite upsetting. Others were about children who had been bullied and overcome it.”

Other schools that took part included Chippenham’s Kings Lodge Primary School, Wroughton Junior School, Christ Church Primary School at Bradford on Avon and St Augustine’s Catholic School in Trowbridge.

Pupils who attended were given badges and certificates, and were encouraged to apply what they had learned within their own schools.

Mrs Norris said: “We’re going to be rolling this out throughout our school. We were given a lot of practical advice and we came away with a lot of things we can follow through.

“As a parent, bullying is the one thing you worry about. Knowing your child is going to a school that has anti-bullying ambassadors will put your mind at rest.”

Training and development officer Paul Hanmore led the event activities.

He said: “It has been about confidence building and sharing ideas to reduce bullying. We’re empowering students.”

For more information on the Diana Award, visit www.diana-award.org.uk